The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday, March 8, petitioned the federal government over what it described as a planned ₦20 billion emergency refurbishment contract within the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The union warned that the move could drain public funds and further weaken the country’s fragile electricity transmission infrastructure.
In a letter sent to the minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, the union accused some officials at the state-owned utility of orchestrating what it described as a large-scale procurement scheme disguised as urgent infrastructure repairs.
TCN operates Nigeria’s national electricity transmission network, moving power from generating plants to distribution companies that supply homes and businesses.
The company sits at the centre of the country’s electricity supply chain, which has long struggled with weak infrastructure and frequent grid failures.
The letter, titled “Stop the Bleeding in TCN Before It Collapses,” was signed by the NLC president, Joe Ajaero.
According to the union, there are ongoing plans to award contracts worth nearly ₦20 billion under an emergency refurbishment programme, which it claimed could amount to double-dipping of the highest order and convert public funds into private fortunes.
The NLC said several projects listed under the programme appear excessively priced and questionable.
Ajaero wrote, “The plan to spend nearly ₦20 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.
“For example, there is no other way to explain the plan to spend ₦191 million to control erosion on one tower – T89 Ihovbor, Okada; ₦290,654,361 only for fence and drainage at the Biu 132/33KV Sub-Station; ₦226,024,555 for just one Tower T27 at Etsako, Okpella Ajaokuta; and ₦239,498,443.75, among others.
“These allocations are highly questionable and violate principles of fiscal discipline.”
Beyond the refurbishment contracts, the union alleged that there are plans to purchase the same equipment, particularly specialised transformers and switchgear, in multiple batches from the same supplier at escalating prices.
“This is not procurement; this is money laundering disguised as grid expansion,” the NLC said.
The union also warned of a scheme to overstock grid consumables such as insulators, conductors, and clamps, which it claimed could be procured at prices far above market value under the pretext of preparing for potential grid collapses.
According to the NLC, these items could end up stored indefinitely or never delivered, while the funds are allegedly shared among officials and contractors involved in the procurement process.
Describing the situation as a clear and present danger, the NLC said the use of emergency procedures could allow those involved to bypass standard procurement processes.
The union said, “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.
“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 technology, but because the funds meant to heal it were stolen.”
The NLC warned that it would not stand by while workers in the power sector and Nigerians bear the consequences of alleged financial misconduct within the company.
“The NLC refuses to stand by and watch our members—the engineers, linemen, and core staff of TCN—and indeed Nigerians, become victims of this avarice,” Ajaero wrote.
The labour union urged the minister of power to immediately intervene and halt the alleged procurement plans.
Specifically, the NLC called on the government to suspend all ongoing emergency procurement processes at TCN pending a full forensic audit.
It also asked 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 investigate the transactions.
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 NLC also called for a probe into the sale of land behind the TCN substation in Katampe, Abuja, which it suggested could be linked to broader governance concerns within the company.
Another issue raised in the petition relates to what the union described as an irregular personnel move.
According to the NLC, 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.
The union concluded by urging the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to the power sector:
“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 said.
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