By: Jabiru Hassan.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has noted a publication authored by Emmanuel Oluwole Uti of FIJ alleging that TCN paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects “outside its mandate.”
TCN wishes to clarify that the projects referenced are National Assembly Constituency Projects duly captured in the Federal Government-approved appropriation budget and nominated by Honourable Members and Distinguished Senators to serve vulnerable communities.
TCN did not initiate or request these projects. They were included in TCN’s capital projects by the National Assembly, with the Company designated as the implementing agency by the relevant authorities, in line with established government practice.
It is important to emphasize that the funds utilized for these projects do not belong to TCN and are not sourced from the Company’s Internally Generated Revenue.
They are Federal Government appropriations budget duly approved by Mr. President. Consequently, all payments, including those referenced by FIJ, were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in strict compliance with extant financial regulations.
Furthermore, the procurement process was carried out with approvals from relevant Government agencies such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
As an organization whose 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers crisscross the nation, TCN has consistently undertaken nationwide sensitization programmes on safety, asset protection, and the dangers of vandalism and bush burning.
Experience has shown that well-lit communities help boost public confidence, reduce vandalism and theft, and ultimately safeguard the integrity of the national grid.
The interventions listed by FIJ in Jigawa, Kano, and Kogi States were therefore implemented by TCN at the instance of the National Assembly request to improve security in vulnerable communities, enhance visibility, and support socio-economic activity in beneficiary areas, while also contributing to the protection of national power infrastructure.
While TCN’s core statutory mandate remains bulk power transmission, the Company is empowered to execute constituency and other federal government projects when duly assigned.
These interventions should not be erroneously interpreted as a deviation from TCN’s primary responsibility as the transporter of bulk electricity nationwide.
It is also worthy of note that, as a government agency, there is no provision in law prohibiting TCN from executing projects assigned to it by the National Assembly or other arms of government, provided due process is followed in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
All procurements relating to these projects, including the seven payments cited by FIJ to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited, and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited, were carried out in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act. Competent contractors were engaged, and the projects are being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact for the benefiting communities.
TCN therefore appeals to media organizations and stakeholders to verify information with the Company prior to publication. This will ensure factual, balanced, and accurate reporting, while preventing the spread of misinformation.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria remains committed to its statutory mandate of wheeling bulk power across the nation and to supporting national development objectives through the transparent execution of projects duly assigned by the government and the National Assembly.
