Solar streetlight projects implementation lawful — TCN clarifies

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the disbursement of ₦1.28 billion for solar streetlight installations is lawful.

Responding to a publication by Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reporter Emmanuel Oluwole Uti, TCN confirmed that the projects in question are National Assembly Constituency Interventions fully approved within the Federal Government budget, designed to support national grid security and protect high-voltage power assets.

TCN clarified that it did not initiate or request the streetlight projects.

The installations were nominated by members of the National Assembly as constituency projects and assigned to TCN as the executing body.

The company explained that the ₦1.28 billion funds did not come from TCN’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), as payments were processed using the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) under approved presidential appropriations.

While TCN’s primary statutory mandate remains the wheeling of bulk power, the company emphasized that solar lighting interventions directly complement infrastructure defense, noting that well-lit communities help boost public confidence, reduce vandalism and theft, and safeguard the integrity of the national grid.

The company noted that interventions in Jigawa, Kano, and Kogi States serve to enhance visibility around vulnerable 330kV and 132kV transmission lines, curtail bush burning and tower tampering, and foster local socio-economic activity.

Addressing specific payments highlighted in the report, the TCN confirmed that all procurement processes adhered strictly to the Public Procurement Act, 2007, with oversight from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“The procurements involving Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Ltd, and Ideal Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd were processed via GIFMIS and received the necessary government approvals,” the statement read.

TCN maintained that executing constituency projects assigned by the Federal Government is entirely lawful and does not constitute a deviation from its core duty as the bulk power transporter.

Concluding the release, TCN appealed to journalists, media houses, and civil society organizations to cross-check factual details with the agency prior to publishing allegations, reiterating its dedication to transparency, public safety, and national development.