TCN Defends N1.28bn Solar Streetlight Projects, Says They Were National Assembly Constituency Interventions

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has defended the execution of solar streetlight projects valued at N1.28 billion, describing them as National Assembly Constituency Projects included in the Federal Government’s approved budget and not initiatives conceived by the company.

In a statement issued on August 1, 2026, the company was responding to a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), authored by Emmanuel Oluwole Uti, which alleged that TCN spent N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 on solar streetlight projects outside its statutory mandate.

TCN stated that the projects were nominated by members of the National Assembly to benefit vulnerable communities and were subsequently included in its capital budget, with the company designated as the implementing agency in line with established government procedures.

The company explained that the funds used for the projects were Federal Government appropriations approved by the President and not sourced from TCN’s Internally Generated Revenue. According to the statement, all payments were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in compliance with existing financial regulations, while procurement received approvals from relevant agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

TCN further argued that the projects support its efforts to protect critical power infrastructure. It noted that its 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers span the country, making the protection of these assets a national priority.

According to the company, improved street lighting in vulnerable communities enhances public safety, discourages vandalism and theft, and contributes to the security of the national grid.

The company said the interventions referenced in Jigawa, Kano, and Kogi states were implemented at the request of the National Assembly to improve security, enhance visibility, support socio economic activities, and protect national power infrastructure.

While reaffirming that its primary statutory responsibility is the transmission of bulk electricity across Nigeria, TCN maintained that it is legally empowered to implement constituency and other Federal Government projects assigned to it.

“It is also worthy of note that, as a government agency, there is no provision in law prohibiting TCN from executing projects assigned to it by the National Assembly or other arms of government, provided due process is followed in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007,” the statement said.

TCN also addressed the seven payments cited 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 the Public Procurement Act. It added that competent contractors were engaged and that the projects are being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact.

The company appealed to media organisations and stakeholders to verify information with it before publication, saying such engagement would promote factual, balanced, and accurate reporting while reducing the spread of misinformation.

TCN reiterated its commitment to its statutory mandate of transmitting bulk power nationwide and to executing projects assigned by the Federal Government and the National Assembly in a transparent manner.