TCN Counters FIJ Allegations, Says N1.28bn Solar Projects Were Lawfully Assigned by National Assembly By Raymond Enoch
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has refuted allegations that it improperly spent N1.28 billion on solar streetlight projects outside its statutory mandate, insisting that the interventions were National Assembly Constituency Projects lawfully assigned to the company for implementation.
The clarification followed a publication by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which alleged that TCN paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects beyond its core responsibilities.
In a statement issued by its management, TCN explained that the projects were neither initiated nor requested by the company but were included in the Federal Government’s approved appropriation budget by the National Assembly as constituency interventions nominated by Honourable Members and Distinguished Senators for vulnerable communities.
According to the company, TCN was merely designated as the implementing agency in line with established government practice, stressing that the projects were executed based on lawful directives and not at the company’s discretion.
The company further clarified that the funds used for the projects did not come from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) but were Federal Government appropriations approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It added that all payments were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in full compliance with extant financial regulations.
TCN also stated that the procurement process complied strictly with the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and received the necessary approvals from relevant government institutions, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Defending the rationale behind the projects, the company noted that the installation of solar streetlights in communities across Jigawa, Kano and Kogi states was aimed at improving security, enhancing visibility, stimulating socio-economic activities and protecting critical electricity infrastructure.
“As an organisation whose 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers crisscross the country, TCN has consistently undertaken nationwide sensitisation programmes on safety, asset protection and the dangers of vandalism and bush burning. Well-lit communities help boost public confidence, reduce vandalism and theft, and ultimately safeguard the integrity of the national grid,” the statement said.
TCN maintained that although its primary statutory responsibility is the transmission of bulk electricity nationwide, it is legally empowered to execute constituency and other Federal Government projects whenever assigned by the appropriate authorities.
The company dismissed suggestions that implementing such projects amounted to operating outside its mandate, stressing that there is no legal provision prohibiting government agencies from executing projects assigned to them by the National Assembly or other arms of government, provided due process is followed.
It further disclosed that all procurements relating to the 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 transparently in line with the Public Procurement Act, with competent contractors engaged to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact.
TCN called on media organisations and stakeholders to verify information with the company before publication to promote balanced, factual and accurate reporting while preventing the spread of misinformation.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the company said it remains focused on its core mandate of wheeling bulk electricity across Nigeria while supporting national development objectives through the efficient and transparent implementation of projects lawfully assigned by the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
