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 N1.28 billion worth of solar streetlight projects, clarifying that the initiatives were National Assembly constituency interventions included in the Federal Government's approved budget and not projects initiated by the company.

In a statement signed by TCN Management on Friday, the company was responding to a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which alleged that TCN spent N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 on solar streetlight projects outside its statutory mandate.

TCN explained that the projects were nominated by members of the National Assembly for vulnerable communities and incorporated into its capital budget, with the company designated as the implementing agency in line with established government procedures.

The company stressed that the funds used for the projects were Federal Government appropriations approved by the President and not sourced from TCN's internally generated revenue. It added that all payments were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and complied with existing financial regulations.

According to the statement, procurement for the projects received the necessary approvals from relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), while all contracts were awarded in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

TCN noted that the solar streetlight projects in Jigawa, Kano and Kogi states were intended to improve security in vulnerable communities, enhance visibility, support socio-economic activities and help protect critical national power infrastructure from vandalism.

The company argued that, given its extensive 330kV and 132kV transmission network across the country, it has consistently promoted asset protection and public sensitisation against vandalism and bush burning, adding that well-lit communities contribute to safeguarding the national grid.

While reaffirming that its core mandate remains the transmission of bulk electricity nationwide, TCN maintained that it is legally empowered to implement constituency and other Federal Government projects assigned to it, provided due process is followed.

The company further stated that the seven payments referenced in the FIJ report to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited complied with procurement regulations, adding that the projects are being monitored to ensure quality delivery.

TCN also appealed to media organisations and other stakeholders to verify information with the company before publication to promote accurate and balanced reporting.

The statement reaffirmed the company's commitment to transparent project implementation and its statutory responsibility of transmitting bulk electricity across Nigeria.