Survey of Gas Engine Maintenance Practices at Power Plants in Anambra State

Gas engine-based power generation plays an increasingly important role in bridging Nigeria's electricity supply deficit at the industrial and commercial level. This study surveys the maintenance practices adopted at gas engine power plants operating within Anambra State, including captive power units at manufacturing facilities in Onitsha and Nnewi, and an independent power plant (IPP) in Awka. The research employs a descriptive survey design, using structured questionnaires and interview guides administered to plant engineers, maintenance managers, and operations supervisors. Maintenance parameters assessed include oil change intervals, spark plug inspection schedules, valve clearance adjustment frequencies, coolant system servicing practices, and alignment with manufacturer-recommended maintenance manuals. The study further investigates the maintenance information management systems used at each facility and the adequacy of spare parts availability locally. Findings reveal that preventive maintenance compliance rates are highest at the Nnewi manufacturing facility, where a dedicated maintenance management software is deployed, compared to ad-hoc reactive maintenance practices prevalent at smaller captive power units. The study documents a correlation between irregular maintenance practices and increased mean time between failures (MTBF) values at the surveyed plants. Recommendations include adoption of computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS), development of local spare parts supply chains, and capacity building for maintenance personnel. These findings inform best practice guidelines for gas engine operators across southeastern Nigeria. Keywords: gas engine, maintenance practices, power plants, Anambra, CMMS.