The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that it paid N1.28 billion for solar streetlight projects that fall outside its statutory mandate. In a statement issued on Saturday, spokesperson Ndidi Mbah clarified that the company did not request or initiate the projects, which were inserted into its capital budget by the National Assembly.
The clarification comes after reports that TCN disbursed N1.28 billion in May and June 2026 for solar streetlight projects. According to TCN, these projects are part of National Assembly constituency projects that were duly captured in the federal government’s approved 2026 Appropriation Act. While the solar streetlight initiatives are not within TCN’s core mandate of bulk power transmission, the company is empowered to execute constituency and other federal government projects when duly assigned.
TCN’s spokesperson emphasized that the funds used for the projects do not belong to the company and do not come from its internally generated revenue. “They are federal government appropriations duly approved by Mr. President,” Mbah said. “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,” the statement read.
The company also noted that it was designated as the implementing agency by the relevant authorities, in line with established government practice. “TCN did not initiate or request these projects. They were included in TCN’s capital budget by the National Assembly,” Mbah added.
The move highlights how state‑owned utilities can be involved in development projects beyond their core mandate, provided that the funding sources are clearly identified and approved by the federal government. By clarifying that the solar streetlight projects are funded through appropriations rather than the company’s own revenue, TCN aims to maintain transparency and avoid confusion about its financial responsibilities.
As the government continues to pursue infrastructure development, it remains to be seen whether TCN will be assigned additional constituency or federal projects. The company’s willingness to undertake such initiatives, while maintaining its primary role in bulk power transmission, may set a precedent for other utilities in Nigeria.
