The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised concerns over an alleged move by some officials within the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to spend nearly N20 billion on projects described as emergency interventions on the national grid.
In a letter sent to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the labour union warned that the proposed expenditure could worsen the financial condition of the transmission company if allowed to proceed without proper scrutiny.
The letter, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, alleged that certain officials were attempting to classify several procurement activities as urgent projects in order to bypass standard procedures required for public spending.
According to the union, labeling the projects as emergency works could make it easier to conceal questionable transactions within complicated procurement documentation.
Ajaero cautioned that such spending, if approved, could weaken the financial stability of TCN and undermine efforts to improve Nigeria’s electricity transmission network.
He argued that recurring challenges affecting the national grid may not necessarily be due to technical limitations but could be linked to poor financial management and the diversion of funds meant for infrastructure upgrades.
To illustrate the concern, the labour leader pointed to several proposed projects and their estimated costs. One of them includes about N191 million reportedly allocated for erosion control work on Tower T89 in Ihovbor, Okada.
Another project involves an estimated N290.65 million for fencing and drainage works at the Biu 132/33KV transmission substation.
Ajaero also cited a proposed N226.02 million for work on Tower T27 along the Etsako–Okpella–Ajaokuta transmission line, describing the figures as raising questions about prudent financial management.
The union further alleged irregularities in plans to procure specialised equipment such as transformers and switchgear. According to the NLC, the equipment is expected to be purchased in separate batches from the same supplier at progressively higher prices.
Ajaero said the arrangement suggests possible manipulation of the procurement process through inflated contracts rather than genuine infrastructure improvement.
The union also claimed there were plans to stockpile consumable materials used in transmission operations, including insulators, conductors and clamps, at prices believed to be above prevailing market rates.
Consequently, the NLC has called on the Minister of Power to immediately halt all ongoing emergency procurement processes within TCN pending a detailed forensic audit of the company’s activities.
The union also urged authorities to investigate the reported sale of land located behind the TCN substation in Katampe, Abuja.
Additionally, it requested a review of an alleged attempt to promote a staff member employed in September 2021 to the rank of Assistant General Manager by 2026, which it said contravenes the organisation’s established promotion guidelines.
