…Says projects were National Assembly constituency interventions, funded by FG appropriations
By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has dismissed a report alleging that it paid ₦1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects outside its statutory mandate, describing the claim as misleading.
TCN, in a statement signed by its Management on Saturday, clarified that the solar streetlight projects referenced in the publication by Emmanuel Oluwole Uti of FIJ were National Assembly constituency projects captured in the Federal Government’s approved appropriation budget.
According to the transmission company, the projects were nominated by members of the National Assembly for vulnerable communities, while TCN was designated by the relevant authorities as the implementing agency.
TCN stressed that it neither initiated nor requested the projects, adding that the funds used for their execution did not belong to the company and were not sourced from its internally generated revenue.
“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 duly approved by Mr. President,” the statement said.
The company explained that payments, including those cited in the FIJ report, were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in accordance with extant financial regulations.
It added that the procurement processes received the necessary approvals from relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
TCN said the projects implemented in Jigawa, Kano and Kogi States were designed to improve security and visibility in vulnerable communities, boost socio-economic activities and contribute to the protection of national power infrastructure.
The company noted that its transmission network, comprising 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers across the country, makes it necessary to promote community awareness and security around critical infrastructure.
According to TCN, experience has shown that well-lit communities can help reduce vandalism and theft, while improving public confidence and safeguarding national grid assets.
The company, however, reiterated that its core statutory responsibility remains the transmission of bulk electricity nationwide.
It clarified that the execution of constituency and other Federal Government projects assigned to it by the National Assembly or other arms of government should not be construed as a departure from its primary mandate.
TCN further maintained that there is no provision of law prohibiting it from implementing projects assigned by the National Assembly or other government authorities, provided the relevant procurement and financial procedures are followed.
On the seven payments referenced in the FIJ publication to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited, and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited, TCN said all procurements were conducted in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
The company added that competent contractors were engaged and that the projects were being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable benefits to the beneficiary communities.
TCN urged media organisations and other stakeholders to verify information with the company before publishing reports concerning its activities.
It said such verification would promote factual, balanced and accurate reporting and help prevent the spread of misinformation.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to wheeling bulk electricity across Nigeria while supporting national development through transparent implementation of government and National Assembly-assigned projects.
