|By Adejumo Adekunle
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised alarms over a reported plan by certain officials within the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to spend nearly N20 billion on electricity grid expansion projects, describing the proposed expenditure as a potential threat to the utility’s financial stability.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union warned that the planned spending, reportedly being pursued under the guise of “emergency refurbishment,” may be a scheme to divert funds from the cash-strapped power company.
Ajaero alleged that a group within TCN was attempting to sidestep standard procurement procedures by labeling the projects as emergencies, potentially concealing questionable transactions within complex documentation. He cautioned that if the procurement plans proceed, TCN’s financial health could deteriorate further, undermining its ability to operate effectively in the long term.
According to the NLC, the national grid risks remaining in a perpetual state of crisis—not due to technical incapacity, but because of mismanagement and diversion of funds intended for infrastructure improvement.
The union highlighted specific spending proposals it described as irregular, including N191 million for erosion control on Tower T89 in Ihovbor, Okada, N290.65 million for fencing and drainage at Biu 132/33KV substation, and N226.02 million for work on Tower T27 in the Etsako–Okpella–Ajaokuta axis. Ajaero said such allocations appear inconsistent with prudent financial management.
The NLC also alleged plans to purchase specialised transformers and switchgear in separate batches from the same supplier at progressively higher prices, and to stockpile consumable materials such as insulators, conductors, and clamps at prices above market rates—allegedly under the pretext of preparing for potential grid failures.
In response, Ajaero called on the Minister of Power to suspend all ongoing emergency procurement activities at TCN pending a comprehensive forensic audit. He also urged an investigation into the reported sale of land behind the TCN substation in Katampe, Abuja, and requested a review of an alleged attempt to promote a staff member employed on September 16, 2021, to Assistant General Manager by 2026, which the NLC said violates TCN’s promotion guidelines.
The NLC’s letter underscores growing concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting the urgent need for oversight to protect public resources and ensure sustainable grid operations.
