The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a suspected scheme to divert nearly ₦20 billion from the coffers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) through questionable “emergency refurbishment” contracts.
In a strongly worded letter dated March 1, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, NLC President Joe Ajaero accused certain officials within TCN of attempting to bypass standard procurement procedures by classifying various projects as urgent emergencies.
This, the union claims, is designed to conceal irregularities, inflate contract costs, and channel funds through dubious means rather than genuine infrastructure improvements.
Ajaero warned that if the procurements proceed unchecked, TCN's already strained financial position could worsen dramatically, potentially leaving the national grid in perpetual crisis not due to technical shortcomings, but because of alleged fund diversion.
Key examples cited in the petition include:₦191 million for erosion control on a single transmission tower (Tower T89 in Ihovbor, Okada).
₦290.65 million for fencing and drainage works at the Biu 132/33KV substation.
₦226.02 million for work on another single tower (Tower T27 in the Etsako–Okpella–Ajaokuta axis).
Additional suspicious procurements, such as batch purchases of transformers and switchgear from the same supplier at inflated prices, and overstocking of materials like insulators, conductors, and clamps beyond reasonable market needs allegedly under the pretext of preparing for potential grid failures.
The NLC described these arrangements as indicative of broader irregularities, including attempts to push through inflated contracts and unrelated issues such as improper staff promotions dating back to September 2021 and questionable land transactions in Katampe, Abuja.
The labour body has demanded the immediate suspension of all ongoing emergency procurement processes in TCN pending a comprehensive forensic audit to uncover any wrongdoing and safeguard public funds.
No official response from TCN or the Ministry of Power has been reported in connection with these allegations as of March 9, 2026.
The claims come amid Nigeria's ongoing electricity sector challenges, where frequent grid collapses and inadequate transmission infrastructure continue to hamper reliable power supply nationwide.
The NLC's intervention underscores growing concerns over transparency and fiscal discipline in managing critical public utilities.
Stakeholders await further developments, including any potential investigation or rebuttal from relevant authorities.
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