The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has dismissed claims that it spent N1.28 billion on projects outside its mandate, insisting that the solar streetlight schemes referenced in a recent report were National Assembly constituency interventions approved by the Federal Government.
The clarification followed a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which alleged that TCN paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects unrelated to its statutory responsibilities.
In a statement issued on Fri’day TCM management, the company said the projects were nominated by members of the National Assembly for vulnerable communities and subsequently captured in the Federal Government’s approved capital budget, with the company designated as the implementing agency.
According to TCN, the projects were financed through Federal Government appropriations approved by the President and not from TCN’s internally generated revenue.
It added that all payments were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in line with extant financial regulations.
TCN explained that the procurement process received the required approvals from relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), while contracts were awarded in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
The company said the solar streetlight installations in Jigawa, Kano and Kogi states were designed to improve security in vulnerable communities, enhance night-time visibility, stimulate socio-economic activities and help protect critical power infrastructure from vandalism.
It argued that the initiative aligns with its long-standing efforts to safeguard the national transmission network, noting that improved lighting in host communities contributes to the protection of transmission facilities against vandalism and other threats.
While reiterating that its primary responsibility is the transmission of bulk electricity across Nigeria, TCN maintained that it is legally authorised to implement constituency and other Federal Government projects assigned to it, provided all statutory procedures are followed.
The company also defended the seven payments highlighted in the FIJ report, stating that the contracts awarded to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited complied with procurement regulations and are being closely monitored to ensure quality execution.
TCN urged media organisations and other stakeholders to seek clarification from the company before publishing reports, saying such engagement would promote balanced and accurate reporting.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the efficient implementation of government-approved projects while continuing to deliver on its core mandate of transmitting bulk electricity nationwide.
