By Juliet Ezeh
Fresh concerns have emerged in Nigeria’s power sector after the Nigeria Labour Congress raised alarm over what it described as questionable spending plans within the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
The labour union has petitioned the Federal Government, urging immediate intervention over a proposed emergency refurbishment programme estimated at nearly N20bn. The Congress warned that the move, if not properly scrutinised, could worsen the financial strain on the nation’s already fragile electricity transmission network.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, cautioned that certain procurement activities within the government-owned utility could undermine efforts to strengthen the country’s electricity infrastructure.
The union expressed fears that the planned refurbishment projects, which are reportedly being processed under emergency procedures, might bypass established procurement safeguards. According to the labour body, such processes could expose the company to financial risks and reduce transparency in the management of public funds.
TCN plays a critical role in Nigeria’s electricity supply chain. The company is responsible for transmitting electricity from generation plants to distribution companies that deliver power to homes and businesses across the country. However, the grid has repeatedly faced operational challenges, including system failures and infrastructure weaknesses.
Against this backdrop, the NLC warned that financial decisions taken within the transmission company must prioritise long-term stability of the national grid.
The Congress also raised questions about the scale and pricing of some proposed projects under the refurbishment plan, suggesting that certain items appeared disproportionately expensive when compared with typical infrastructure repair costs.
In addition, the union alleged that there could be plans to procure specialised equipment, including transformers and switchgear, in multiple batches from the same supplier. It cautioned that such procurement practices might lead to inflated costs and inefficient resource utilisation if not properly monitored.
The labour body further claimed that large quantities of grid consumables may be acquired under the justification of emergency preparedness, raising concerns that some of the items could remain unused or be stored for extended periods.
Beyond procurement issues, the petition also highlighted governance concerns within the organisation. The NLC called for scrutiny of certain management decisions, including personnel movements and the reported sale of land located near the company’s Katampe substation in Abuja.
While the allegations have drawn attention within the sector, the Transmission Company of Nigeria said it had yet to formally receive the petition. Its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, said the company would review the claims once the letter becomes available and respond accordingly.
The labour union has urged the Federal Government to suspend the alleged emergency procurement processes pending a comprehensive audit of the company’s transactions. It also called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims in order to ensure accountability.
Industry observers say the dispute highlights the growing pressure on Nigeria’s power sector institutions to improve transparency and rebuild public confidence while addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps.
The NLC maintained that swift action by the government would help prevent potential damage to the transmission system and protect resources meant for strengthening the country’s electricity network.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.