The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the N1.28 billion solar streetlight projects executed between May and June 2025 were not funded from its own resources.

The clarification, according to the company, became necessary following a media report (not published by the Nigerian Tribune) alleging that TCN spent N1.28 billion on solar streetlight projects outside its statutory mandate between May and June 2025.

In a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN said:

“TCN did not initiate or request these projects. They were included in TCN’s capital projects by the National Assembly, with the company designated as the implementing agency by the relevant authorities, in line with established government practice.

“It is important to emphasise that the funds utilised for these projects do not belong to TCN and were not sourced from the company’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). They are Federal Government appropriations duly approved by the President.

“Consequently, all payments, including those referenced by FIJ, were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in strict compliance with extant financial regulations. Furthermore, the procurement process was carried out with approvals from relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“As an organisation whose 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers criss-cross the nation, TCN has consistently undertaken nationwide sensitisation programmes on safety, asset protection, and the dangers of vandalism and bush burning. Experience has shown that well-lit communities help boost public confidence, reduce vandalism and theft, and ultimately safeguard the integrity of the national grid.

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“The interventions listed by FIJ in Jigawa, Kano and Kogi states were therefore implemented by TCN at the instance of the National Assembly to improve security in vulnerable communities, enhance visibility, and support socio-economic activities in the beneficiary communities, while also contributing to the protection of national power infrastructure.”

The statement added:

“While TCN’s core statutory mandate remains bulk power transmission, the company is empowered to execute constituency and other Federal Government projects when duly assigned. These interventions should not be erroneously interpreted as a deviation from TCN’s primary responsibility as the transporter of bulk electricity nationwide.

“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.

“All procurements relating to these 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 in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act. Competent contractors were engaged, and the projects are being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact for the benefiting communities.”

TCN, however, appealed to media organisations and other stakeholders to verify information with the company before publication, noting that doing so would ensure factual, balanced and accurate reporting while preventing the spread of misinformation.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to its statutory mandate of transmitting bulk electricity across the country.