By Hussein J-Isah
The Transmission Company of Nigeria ,TCN, has noted a publication authored by one Emmanuel Oluwole Uti of FIJm alleging that TCN paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects “outside its mandate.”
TCN, in a statement by its management clarified that the projects referred to 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 added that the funds utilized for the said projects did not belong to TCN and neither were they 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),” the Company explained.
TCN whose 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers crisscross the nation, said it has consistently undertaken nationwide sensitization programmes on safety, asset protection, and the dangers of vandalism and bush burning.
It also noted that, based on experience well-lit communities has always helped boost public confidence, reduce vandalism and theft, and ultimately safeguard the integrity of the national grid.
The Company therefore stated that the interventions listed by FIJ in Jigawa, Kano, and Kogi States were 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,” the Company stressed.
The statement also noted that, TCN as a government agency, is not subject to any provision in law prohibiting it 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.
It explained further that, “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.
The Company used the opportunity to appeal to media organizations and stakeholders to verify information with the Company before publication. According to it, ” this will ensure factual, balanced, and accurate reporting, while preventing the spread of misinformation.”
The TCN restated its commitment 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.
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