The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has dismissed allegations that it spent ₦1.28 billion on solar streetlight projects outside its statutory mandate, insisting that the projects were Federal Government-approved constituency interventions assigned to the company for implementation.
In a statement issued over the weekend, TCN described as misleading a report by FIJ alleging that the company paid ₦1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects unrelated to its core responsibilities.
According to the transmission company, the projects were National Assembly constituency interventions captured in the Federal Government’s approved appropriation budget and were nominated by lawmakers for execution in vulnerable communities.
TCN explained that it was merely designated by the appropriate authorities as the implementing agency and neither initiated nor requested the projects.
“The funds utilised 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 company stated.
The company further clarified that all payments, including those referenced in the report, were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in line with extant financial regulations.
It added that the procurement process received all necessary approvals from relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
According to TCN, the solar streetlight projects executed in Jigawa, Kano and Kogi states were designed to improve security, enhance visibility in vulnerable communities, stimulate socio-economic activities and protect critical national power infrastructure.
The company noted that its nationwide network of 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers requires sustained community support and security to reduce vandalism and theft.
It argued that well-lit communities contribute to safeguarding transmission infrastructure while boosting public confidence and local economic activities.
TCN reiterated that its primary statutory responsibility remains the transmission of bulk electricity across Nigeria, stressing that implementing constituency projects assigned by the National Assembly or other government authorities does not amount to a deviation from its core mandate.
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The company also maintained that there is no legal provision preventing it from executing projects assigned by government, provided all procurement and financial regulations are observed.
Responding to claims regarding payments made to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited, TCN said all contracts followed due process and that the projects are being monitored to ensure quality execution and tangible benefits for host communities.
The transmission company urged journalists and stakeholders to verify information with it before publishing reports concerning its activities, saying such engagement would promote balanced, factual and accurate reporting while preventing the spread of misinformation.
TCN reaffirmed its commitment to efficiently wheeling bulk electricity nationwide and supporting national development through the transparent implementation of projects assigned by the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
