The union alleged that the proposed spending, being pursued under the label of “emergency refurbishment,” could be a ploy to divert funds from the already financially strained power utility
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised alarm over an alleged plan by some officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to spend nearly N20 billion on electricity grid expansion projects under what it described as “emergency” procurement.
The union alleged that the proposed spending, being pursued under the label of “emergency refurbishment,” could be a ploy to divert funds from the already financially strained power utility.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the labour body warned that the planned expenditure poses a serious risk to the financial stability of TCN.
Ajaero alleged that a group within the company was attempting to use the justification of an “emergency” to bypass established procurement procedures and conceal questionable transactions within complicated documentation.
He warned that if the procurement plans proceed, the financial health of TCN could deteriorate further and undermine its operational capacity for years.
According to him, the national grid could remain in a persistent state of crisis not because of lack of technical expertise but due to the diversion of funds meant for infrastructure upgrades.
Citing examples of what he described as questionable spending proposals, Ajaero said N191 million had been earmarked for erosion control work on Tower T89 in Ihovbor, Okada.
He also pointed to a proposed N290.65 million for fencing and drainage works at the Biu 132/33KV substation.
The NLC president further cited a planned allocation of N226.02 million for work on Tower T27 in the Etsako–Okpella–Ajaokuta axis, describing the figures as inconsistent with prudent financial management.
The union also alleged that there were plans to procure specialised transformers and switchgear in separate batches from the same supplier at progressively higher prices.
Ajaero argued that such arrangements suggested irregularities in the procurement process and could be an attempt to channel funds through inflated contracts rather than genuine infrastructure upgrades.
He further accused officials of planning to stockpile consumable materials such as insulators, conductors and clamps at prices far above market rates under the pretext of preparing for possible grid failures.
The NLC therefore urged the Minister of Power to suspend all ongoing “emergency” procurement activities within TCN pending the outcome of a comprehensive forensic audit.
Ajaero also called for an investigation into the reported sale of land located behind the TCN substation in Katampe, Abuja.
He further requested a review of an alleged attempt to promote a staff member employed on September 16, 2021, to the position of Assistant General Manager by 2026, saying the move violates the company’s established promotion guidelines.
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