NLC Raises Alarm Over N20bn ‘Emergency’ TCN Spending, Calls for Forensic Audit
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.
The labour union claimed that the proposed expenditure, reportedly being pursued under the guise of “emergency refurbishment,” could be a scheme designed to divert funds from the already financially strained power utility.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the union warned that the planned spending could threaten the financial stability of the organisation.
Ajaero alleged that a group within TCN was attempting to use the label of “emergency” to bypass established procurement procedures and conceal questionable transactions within complicated documentation.
He warned that if the procurement plan proceeds, it could further weaken the financial health of TCN and undermine its operational capacity for years to come.
According to the NLC president, the national electricity grid could remain trapped in a cycle of crisis, not due to a lack of technical expertise, but because funds meant for infrastructure development are allegedly being diverted.
Highlighting what he described as questionable spending proposals, Ajaero claimed that N191 million had been set aside for erosion control work on Tower T89 in Ihovbor, Okada.
He also pointed to a proposed N290.65 million allocation for fencing and drainage works at the Biu 132/33KV substation.
In addition, he cited a planned expenditure of N226.02 million for work on Tower T27 along the Etsako–Okpella–Ajaokuta axis, arguing that such figures raise concerns about prudent financial management.
The NLC further alleged that there were plans to procure specialised transformers and switchgear in separate batches from the same supplier at progressively higher prices.
Ajaero said the arrangement suggested irregularities in the procurement process, describing it as an attempt to channel public funds through inflated contracts rather than genuine infrastructure upgrades.
He also accused some officials of planning to stockpile consumable materials such as insulators, conductors and clamps at prices significantly above market rates, allegedly under the pretext of preparing for possible grid failures.
The NLC president therefore called on the Minister of Power to immediately suspend all ongoing “emergency” procurement activities within TCN pending the outcome of a comprehensive forensic audit.
He also urged the minister to investigate the reported sale of land located behind the TCN substation in Katampe, Abuja.
In addition, Ajaero 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, which he said contravenes the company’s established promotion guidelines.
