The Nigeria Labour Congress has formally petitioned the Federal Government over alleged financial irregularities involving proposed contracts within the Transmission Company of Nigeria, warning that questionable procurement plans could undermine Nigeria’s already fragile electricity infrastructure.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the labour union expressed concerns about what it described as a proposed N20 billion emergency refurbishment programme within the transmission company.
The petition, signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, alleged that the proposed spending may represent a large-scale procurement scheme disguised as urgent infrastructure maintenance.
According to the union, the programme could expose public funds to abuse and further weaken the financial stability of the country’s electricity transmission system.
TCN procurement scandal allegations trigger union petition
The labour body said the alleged TCN procurement scandal centres on a series of refurbishment contracts reportedly being prepared under emergency procurement procedures.
According to the petition, several projects listed in the plan appear to be significantly overpriced and inconsistent with standard fiscal practices.
Among the examples cited by the union is a proposed allocation of about N191 million for erosion control works on a single transmission tower located in the Ihovbor–Okada corridor.
Another project reportedly involves spending more than N290 million for fencing and drainage works at the Biu 132/33kV substation.
The petition also referenced a proposed N226 million refurbishment project for a transmission tower in the Etsako–Okpella area.
Labour leaders argued that the scale and pricing of these projects raise serious questions about transparency and value for money.
According to the NLC, the alleged TCN procurement scandal may involve a pattern of inflated contracts and questionable procurement practices that could lead to the diversion of public resources.
Allegations of repeated equipment purchases
In addition to concerns about refurbishment contracts, the union also raised issues about what it described as repeated procurement of specialised grid equipment.
The petition alleged that the same types of transformers and switchgear were being purchased in multiple batches from the same suppliers at increasing prices.
Union officials said such procurement patterns could indicate attempts to manipulate contract values or inflate operational costs.
They also warned about the possibility of excessive stockpiling of grid materials such as insulators, conductors, and transmission clamps.
According to the NLC, these items could be purchased at inflated prices under the justification of preparing for potential grid failures.
The labour union argued that such practices could allow contractors and officials involved in the procurement process to divert funds while leaving critical infrastructure improvements unfinished.
Transmission system already under pressure
Nigeria’s electricity transmission network plays a critical role in delivering power generated by power plants to distribution companies that supply electricity to households and businesses.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria operates the national grid infrastructure and serves as the backbone of the country’s power sector.
However, the system has faced persistent challenges, including aging equipment, limited capacity expansion, and recurring grid collapses.
Energy sector analysts say that any procurement irregularities within the transmission company could worsen these structural challenges.
The NLC warned that if the alleged TCN procurement scandal proceeds without oversight, the consequences could extend beyond financial losses.
According to the union, the transmission grid could suffer long-term operational setbacks that may affect power supply reliability across the country.
Call for investigation by anti-corruption agencies
The labour union has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all emergency procurement activities within the company pending a comprehensive investigation.
Specifically, the NLC urged the government to initiate a forensic audit of the proposed contracts and review procurement processes within the organisation.
The union also recommended that anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission be invited to examine the transactions.
According to the union, such an investigation would help determine whether any officials within the company’s procurement department or management team were involved in questionable activities.
The NLC also called for scrutiny of other governance issues within the company, including the sale of land located behind a transmission substation in the Katampe area of Abuja.
Concerns over personnel decisions
Beyond procurement concerns, the union also questioned an internal personnel decision within the transmission company.
The petition alleged that there were plans to promote a staff member who joined the organisation in September 2021 to the position of Assistant General Manager by 2026.
Labour leaders argued that such a promotion timeline could violate established personnel policies and promotion procedures within the organisation.
According to the union, irregular personnel actions may signal deeper governance challenges within the company.
TCN yet to respond
Officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria said they had not yet reviewed the union’s petition.
A spokesperson for the company indicated that management would examine the claims and provide clarification once the document had been studied.
For now, the allegations surrounding the alleged TCN procurement scandal have added another layer of scrutiny to Nigeria’s power sector governance.
Energy experts say that transparency in procurement and infrastructure investment will be crucial if the country hopes to strengthen its electricity transmission capacity and improve the stability of the national grid.
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