TCN Defends N1.28bn Solar Streetlight Projects, Says NASS Approved Contracts
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN has defended its execution of N1.28bn solar streetlight projects, insisting that the contracts were constituency projects approved by the Federal Government and assigned to the agency by the National Assembly, NASS.
The clarification followed a report published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, which alleged that the company spent N1.28bn between May and June 2025 on solar streetlight projects outside its statutory mandate.
In a statement issued on Saturday and obtained by INCNews247, the TCN said it neither initiated nor requested the projects, explaining that they were captured in the Federal Government’s approved appropriation budget as National Assembly constituency projects and assigned to the company for implementation.
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According to the power transmission company, the projects were nominated by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to benefit vulnerable communities across the country.
It added that the funds used for the projects were Federal Government appropriations approved by the President and not sourced from the company’s Internally Generated Revenue.
The TCN further stated that all payments were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System in compliance with extant financial regulations, while procurement received approvals from relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The company also dismissed suggestions that the projects fell outside its responsibilities, maintaining that government agencies are permitted to execute constituency and other Federal Government projects assigned to them, provided due process is followed under the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
It explained that the solar streetlight projects in Jigawa, Kano and Kogi states were implemented at the request of the National Assembly to improve security, enhance visibility and support socio-economic activities in vulnerable communities, while helping to protect critical national power infrastructure from vandalism.
The TCN noted that its nationwide transmission network, comprising 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers, has made community engagement and infrastructure protection a key priority.
The company also defended the seven payments referenced in the FIJ report, saying contracts awarded to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited complied with the Public Procurement Act, while competent contractors were engaged and the projects were being monitored for quality delivery.
Reaffirming that its core mandate remains the transmission of bulk electricity nationwide, the TCN said carrying out duly assigned constituency projects should not be interpreted as a departure from its statutory responsibilities.
The company urged media organisations and other stakeholders to verify information with it before publication to ensure balanced and accurate reporting and prevent the spread of misinformation.
It reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and the effective execution of projects assigned by the Federal Government and the National Assembly while continuing to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission network.
