The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has defended the N1.28 billion spent on solar streetlight projects, stating that the initiatives were National Assembly constituency interventions and not outside its statutory mandate.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by TCN Management on August 1, 2026, in response to a report alleging that the company funded projects beyond its core responsibilities.
According to TCN, the projects were included in the Federal Government’s approved appropriation budget and nominated by members of the National Assembly, with the company designated as the implementing agency in line with established government practice.
“TCN did not initiate or request these projects. They were included in TCN’s capital projects by the National Assembly,” the statement said.
The company explained that the funds used were not sourced from its internally generated revenue but from federal budget allocations approved by the President, adding that all payments were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
It further noted that the procurement process complied with statutory requirements, including approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), in line with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
TCN said the solar streetlight projects, implemented in states including Jigawa, Kano and Kogi, were aimed at improving security in vulnerable communities, enhancing visibility and supporting socio-economic activities.
The company added that improved lighting in such areas contributes to reducing vandalism and protecting critical national grid infrastructure, as its transmission lines span across the country.
While reaffirming that its core mandate remains bulk electricity transmission, TCN maintained that it is empowered to execute constituency and other government-assigned projects when duly mandated.
“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,” the statement added.
The company also addressed concerns over payments to contractors, stating that all procurements involving firms such as Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited followed due process and are being monitored for quality delivery.
TCN urged media organisations to verify information before publication to avoid misinformation, reiterating its commitment to transparency and national development.
The statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of public sector spending and reinforces the role of government agencies in implementing constituency projects across Nigeria.
