The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced serious concerns regarding a reported plan by some officials at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to allocate nearly N20 billion for electricity grid expansion projects.
The labor union alleged that this proposed spending, which is reportedly being categorized as an “emergency refurbishment,” appears to be a strategy designed to siphon funds from the already financially struggling power utility.
In a formal letter sent to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union cautioned that the intended expenditure represents a significant risk to the organization’s financial health.
Ajaero claimed that a faction within the TCN is attempting to use the “emergency” label as a way to bypass official procurement rules and hide questionable deals within complicated paperwork.
He warned that if these procurement plans are allowed to proceed, the TCN’s financial situation could worsen, potentially damaging its operational capacity for years to come.
According to the NLC leader, the national grid might stay in a constant state of crisis, not due to a lack of technical skill, but because of the redirection of funds meant for infrastructure improvements.
Highlighting what he called suspicious spending proposals, Ajaero noted that N191 million has been set aside for erosion control at Tower T89 in Ihovbor, Okada.
He also drew attention to a proposed N290.65 million for fencing and drainage at the Biu 132/33KV substation.
Furthermore, he pointed to a planned N226.02 million allocation for work on Tower T27 in the Etsako–Okpella–Ajaokuta area, calling such figures a departure from the principles of sound financial management.
The NLC also alleged that there are plans to buy specialized transformers and switchgear in separate groups from the same supplier, with prices increasing each time.
Ajaero argued that these setups indicate flaws in the procurement process, describing them as an effort to move money through overpriced contracts instead of genuine infrastructure work.
He also accused officials of intending to hoard supplies like insulators, conductors, and clamps at prices far above market value, allegedly under the guise of preparing for potential grid issues.
Consequently, the NLC president has called on the Minister of Power to halt all current “emergency” procurement at the TCN until a full forensic audit is completed.
He also urged the minister to look into the reported sale of land situated behind the TCN substation in Katampe, Abuja.
Additionally, Ajaero requested a review of an alleged plan to promote a staff member hired on September 16, 2021, to the rank of Assistant General Manager by 2026, which he stated would be a violation of the company’s official promotion rules.
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