The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has responded to a publication by the Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which alleged that the company spent N1.28 billion between May and June on solar streetlight projects described as “outside its mandate.”
In a statement signed by its Management, TCN clarified that the projects in question are National Assembly Constituency Projects captured in the Federal Government approved appropriation budget and nominated by Honourable Members and Distinguished Senators to serve vulnerable communities.
The company said it neither initiated nor requested the projects, noting that they were included in its capital projects by the National Assembly, with the TCN designated as the implementing agency by the relevant authorities, in line with established government practice.
He stressed that the funds used for the projects do not belong to the company and are not drawn from its Internally Generated Revenue, but are Federal Government appropriations approved by the President.
It said all payments, including those referenced by FIJ, were processed through the Federal Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in compliance with financial regulations, with procurement approvals obtained from relevant agencies such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The Company noted that as an organisation whose 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers span the country, it has consistently carried out nationwide sensitisation campaigns on safety, asset protection, and the dangers of vandalism and bush burning.
It said well-lit communities help boost public confidence, reduce vandalism and theft, and ultimately protect the integrity of the national grid.
TCN explained that the interventions cited by the FIJ in Jigawa, Kano, and Kogi States were implemented at the request of the National Assembly to improve security in vulnerable communities, enhance visibility, and support socio-economic activities, while also contributing to the protection of national power infrastructure.
While reiterating that its core statutory mandate remains bulk power transmission, TCN said it is empowered to to execute constituency and other federal government projects when duly assigned, and that such interventions should not be misinterpreted as a deviation from its primary responsibility as the nation’s bulk electricity transporter.
The company added that, as a government agency, there is no legal provision barring it from executing projects assigned by the National Assembly or other arms of government, provided due process is followed in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
TCN said all procurements related to the projects, including the seven payments cited by FIJ to Su Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited, and Idea Engineering & Construction Company Limited, were carried out in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act, with competent contractors engaged and the projects being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact for beneficiary communities.
The company appealed to media organisations and stakeholders to verify information with TCN before publication to ensure factual, balanced and accurate reporting, and to prevent the spread of misinformation.
TCN reaffirmed its commitment to its statutory mandate of wheeling bulk power across the nation and to supporting national development through the transparent execution of projects assigned by the government and the National Assembly.
