The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has dismissed allegations that it spent N1.28 billion on solar streetlight projects outside its statutory mandate, insisting that the projects were National Assembly Constituency Interventions approved by the Federal Government and assigned to the company for implementation.
The clarification followed a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which alleged that TCN made payments totalling N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects unrelated to its core responsibility.
In a statement issued, TCN explained that the projects were captured in the Federal Government’s approved appropriation budget and nominated by members of the National Assembly to benefit vulnerable communities.
It stressed that it neither initiated nor requested the projects but was designated as the implementing agency in line with established government practice.
The company further stated that the funds used for the projects were Federal Government appropriations and not sourced from its Internally Generated Revenue. It added that all payments were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in compliance with existing financial regulations, while procurement received the necessary approvals from relevant agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
According to TCN, the solar streetlight projects in Jigawa, Kano and Kogi states were intended to improve security, enhance visibility and stimulate socio-economic activities in vulnerable communities. The company noted that as the operator of the nation’s 330kV and 132kV transmission network, it has consistently promoted measures to protect power infrastructure from vandalism and other threats.
TCN maintained that although its primary responsibility is the transmission of bulk electricity nationwide, it is legally empowered to execute constituency and other Federal Government projects assigned to it. It added that no law prohibits the company from implementing such projects, provided due process is followed in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
The company also disclosed that all procurements relating to the projects, including payments made to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited, complied with the Public Procurement Act. It said competent contractors were engaged and that the projects are being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact.
TCN urged media organisations and other stakeholders to verify information with the company before publication to ensure balanced and factual reporting. It reaffirmed its commitment to its statutory mandate of transmitting bulk electricity across the country while transparently implementing projects assigned by the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
