The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the N1.28 billion solar streetlight projects it executed were not self-initiated programmes but National Assembly constituency projects captured in the Federal Government’s approved budget.
The company made the clarification in a statement released on August 1, 2026, in response to a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) by Emmanuel Oluwole Uti, which accused TCN of spending N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 on solar streetlight projects beyond its official mandate.
TCN said the projects originated from nominations by lawmakers representing various constituencies and were later incorporated into its capital budget, with the company assigned the responsibility of implementing them under existing government procedures.
According to the power transmission firm, the funding came from federal budgetary allocations approved by the President and not from its internally generated revenue. It added that all financial transactions were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), while procurement procedures received clearance from relevant authorities, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The company explained that the streetlight projects align with efforts to safeguard critical electricity infrastructure across the country. It noted that thousands of kilometres of 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers are spread nationwide, making their protection a key national concern.
TCN stated that improved lighting in communities helps to enhance security, reduce cases of vandalism and theft, and support the protection of the national power grid.
It added that projects carried out in Jigawa, Kano, and Kogi states were implemented following requests from the National Assembly to improve safety, boost economic activities, increase visibility, and protect electricity infrastructure.
While acknowledging that its core responsibility remains the transmission of bulk electricity nationwide, TCN maintained that it has the authority to execute constituency and other government-assigned projects when proper procedures are followed.
The company said, “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.”
Addressing the seven payments referenced in the FIJ report, TCN said contracts awarded to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited, and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited followed due procurement processes. It added that qualified contractors were selected and that the projects were being monitored to ensure effective delivery.
The company urged media organisations and stakeholders to seek clarification from relevant institutions before publishing reports, noting that such steps would encourage accurate and balanced reporting.
TCN reaffirmed its commitment to delivering its statutory mandate of transmitting electricity across Nigeria while maintaining transparency in implementing projects assigned by the Federal Government and the National Assembly.