By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has petitioned the Federal Government over what it described as a planned N20 billion “emergency refurbishment” procurement programme within the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), warning that the move could drain public funds and further weaken the country’s already fragile electricity transmission infrastructure.
The union raised the alarm in a letter dated Sunday, 8 March, 2026 and addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, accusing some officials of the state-owned transmission utility of orchestrating what it termed a large-scale procurement scheme disguised as urgent infrastructure repairs.
The petition, titled Stop the bleeding in TCN before it collapses,” was signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero.
TCN operates Nigeria’s national electricity transmission network, which transports electricity from generating plants to distribution companies responsible for supplying power to homes and businesses.
The company sits at the centre of the country’s electricity supply chain, a system that has long struggled with weak infrastructure, transmission constraints and frequent grid disturbances.
In its petition, the labour union alleged that plans were underway to award contracts worth nearly N20 billion under an emergency refurbishment programme, describing the proposal as questionable and potentially wasteful.
According to the union, the planned spending could amount to “double-dipping of the highest order” and convert public funds into private fortunes if allowed to proceed without scrutiny.
“The plan to spend nearly N20 billion from TCN coffers on the so-called emergency refurbishment looks more like a contrivance to fleece a company that is already saddled with fiscal challenges,” Ajaero wrote in the letter.
The NLC further alleged that several projects listed under the programme appeared excessively priced and inconsistent with principles of fiscal discipline.
“For example, there is no other way to explain the plan to spend N191 million to control erosion on one tower – T89 Ihovbor, Okada; N290,654,361 only for fence and drainage at the Biu 132/33KV Sub-Station; N226,024,555 on just one tower T27 at Etsako, Okpella–Ajaokuta; and N239,498,443.75, among others, but that they are all very questionable,” the letter stated.
Beyond the refurbishment programme, the labour body also raised concerns over what it described as multiple procurement plans involving the same equipment and suppliers.
According to the union, there were indications that specialised equipment such as transformers and switchgear could be purchased in several batches from the same supplier at escalating prices.
“This is not procurement; this is money laundering disguised as grid expansion,” the NLC said, warning that the arrangement could inflate costs and undermine transparency in the company’s procurement process.
The union further alleged that there were plans to stockpile grid consumables such as insulators, conductors and clamps under the pretext of preparing for possible grid collapses.
However, it warned that such items could be procured at prices significantly above market value and potentially remain unused or undelivered.
According to the NLC, the items could end up stored indefinitely while funds meant for procurement are allegedly shared among officials and contractors involved in the process.
The labour body described the situation as a “clear and present danger,” cautioning that the use of emergency procurement procedures could allow those involved to bypass standard due process safeguards.
“The cabal within TCN is hoping to use the cover of emergency to bypass due process and bury these crimes in a blizzard of paperwork,” the union stated.
It also warned that if the procurement plans were allowed to proceed unchecked, the consequences could undermine the long-term performance of the national grid.
“If these procurements proceed, TCN will not only be poorer, but its operational capacity will be crippled for a decade. The grid will become a permanent patient in the emergency room, not because we lack the technology, but because the funds meant to heal it were stolen,” the letter added.
The NLC stressed that it would not stand by while workers in the power sector and Nigerians bear the consequences of what it described as financial misconduct within the organisation.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress refuses to stand by and watch our members the engineers, the linemen, the core staff of TCN and indeed Nigerians become victims of this avarice,” Ajaero said.
The union consequently urged the Minister of Power to intervene immediately by halting the alleged procurement plans and initiating a thorough investigation.
Specifically, it called on the Federal Government to suspend all ongoing emergency procurement processes in TCN pending a full forensic audit of the transactions.
The labour body also requested that anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), be invited to probe the allegations.
In addition, the union demanded an investigation into the head of procurement and members of TCN’s management team if they are found to be involved in the alleged activities.
The petition also raised concerns over the reported sale of land located behind the TCN substation in Katampe, Abuja, which the union suggested could be linked to broader governance issues within the company.
Another matter highlighted in the letter relates to what the NLC described as an irregular personnel move within the organisation.
According to the union, there should be an investigation into an attempt to promote a staff member employed on September 16, 2021, to the position of Assistant General Manager by 2026, which it said violates established employment rules within the company.
Responding to the allegations, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah said the company had not yet reviewed the letter but promised to investigate the matter.
“I haven’t seen the letter yet. We will investigate the matter, identify the relevant departments or personnel involved, and get back to you,” she said.
The NLC, however, urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to the power sector and protect public resources.
“We await your urgent response and action. The patience of Nigerian workers is not an unlimited resource, and we believe that a stitch in time saves nine,” the letter concluded.
