TCN Sets Record Straight: Solar Streetlight Projects Are National Assembly Interventions Supporting Grid Security
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified reports questioning its execution of solar streetlight projects, stating that the projects are National Assembly Constituency Interventions lawfully assigned to the Company and implemented to support grid security, not initiatives outside its statutory mandate.
Responding to a publication by one Emmanuel Oluwole Uti of FIJ alleging that TCN paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects “outside its mandate,” the Company explained that the projects were captured in the Federal Government’s approved appropriation budget and nominated by Honourable Members of the House of Representatives and Distinguished Senators for vulnerable communities.
TCN stressed that it neither initiated nor requested the projects. Rather, they were included in its capital budget by the National Assembly, with the Company designated as the implementing agency in line with established government practice.
The Company further emphasized that the funds used for the projects were Federal Government appropriations approved by the President, not TCN’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Accordingly, all payments were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in compliance with extant financial regulations, while procurement received the necessary approvals from relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
As the operator of Nigeria’s 330kV and 132kV transmission network, TCN noted that it has consistently carried out nationwide public sensitization on the protection of power infrastructure, warning against vandalism and bush burning.
According to the Company, experience has shown that well-lit communities help deter vandalism and theft, improve public safety, and contribute to protecting critical national power infrastructure.
TCN explained that the solar streetlight projects in Jigawa, Kano and Kogi States were implemented at the request of the National Assembly to improve security in vulnerable communities, enhance visibility, stimulate socio-economic activities, and support the protection of the national grid.
While reaffirming that its primary statutory responsibility remains the transmission of bulk electricity nationwide, the Company maintained that it is legally empowered to execute constituency and other Federal Government projects whenever they are duly assigned.
It also noted that there is no legal provision preventing TCN from implementing projects assigned by the National Assembly or other arms of government, provided all due process requirements under the Public Procurement Act, 2007, are followed.
TCN added that all procurements relating to the projects, including the seven payments referenced by FIJ to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited, and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited, complied fully with the Public Procurement Act. It said competent contractors were engaged and that the projects are being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact for beneficiary communities.
The Company appealed to media organisations and other stakeholders to verify information with TCN before publication to ensure balanced, factual and accurate reporting and to prevent the spread of misinformation.
TCN reaffirmed its commitment to its statutory mandate of transmitting bulk electricity across Nigeria while transparently implementing projects duly assigned by the Federal Government and the National Assembly in support of national development objectives.
