The Transmissions Company of Nigeria (TCN) has come to refute the allegation that the agency paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects which was “outside its mandate.”

The clarification comes after it was published in an online medium as authored by one Emmanuel Oluwole Uti of FIJ, who alleged that TCN paid N1.28 billion between May and June 2025 for solar streetlight projects “outside its mandate.”

But in a statement by the management of TCN, it noted that the “projects referenced are National Assembly Constituency Projects duly captured in the Federal Government approved appropriation budget and nominated by Honourable Members and Distinguished Senators to serve vulnerable communities.TCN did not initiate or request these projects.”

The statement added that projects in question “were included in TCN’s capital projects by the National Assembly, with the Company designated as the implementing agency by the relevant authorities, in line with established government practice.

“It is important to emphasize that the funds utilized for these projects do not belong to TCN and are not sourced from the Company’s Internally Generated Revenue. They are Federal Government appropriations budget duly approved by Mr. President. Consequently, all payments, including those referenced by FIJ, were processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in strict compliance with extant financial regulations. Furthermore, the procurement process was carried out with approvals from relevant Government agencies such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“As an organization whose 330kV and 132kV transmission lines and towers crisscross the nation, TCN has consistently undertaken nationwide sensitization programmes on safety, asset protection, and the dangers of vandalism and bush burning. Experience has shown that well-lit communities help boost public confidence, reduce vandalism and theft, and ultimately safeguard the integrity of the national grid.

“The interventions listed by FIJ in Jigawa, Kano, and Kogi States were therefore implemented by TCN at the instance of the National Assembly request to improve security in vulnerable communities, enhance visibility, and support socio-economic activity in beneficiary areas, while also contributing to the protection of national power infrastructure.

“While TCN’s core statutory mandate remains bulk power transmission, the Company is empowered to execute constituency and other federal government projects when duly assigned. These interventions should not be erroneously interpreted as a deviation from TCN’s primary responsibility as the transporter of bulk electricity nationwide.

“It is also worthy of note that, as a government agency, there is no provision in law prohibiting TCN from executing projects assigned to it by the National Assembly or other arms of government, provided due process is followed in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

“All procurements relating to these projects, including the seven payments cited by FIJ to Au Step Nigeria Limited, Empire Technical Projects Construction Services Limited, and Ideal Engineering & Construction Company Limited, were carried out in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act. Competent contractors were engaged, and the projects are being monitored to ensure quality delivery and measurable impact for the benefiting communities.

“TCN therefore appeals to media organizations and stakeholders to verify information with the Company prior to publication. This will ensure factual, balanced, and accurate reporting, while preventing the spread of misinformation.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria remains committed to its statutory mandate of wheeling bulk power across the nation and to supporting national development objectives through the transparent execution of projects duly assigned by the government and the National Assembly.”

By Chidera Orji

Digital solutions services provider, Globacom and global phone maker, Samsung, have again partnered for the unveil of the new Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold8 at an exclusive Masterclass event held at the Gloworld, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The occasion emphasised the two companies’ long-standing collaboration, which has continued to provide Nigerian customers with exceptional deals and first-rate experiences.

In addition to Glo’s personalized after-sales service, every Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold8 purchased at any Gloworld location across the country comes bundled with an e-SIM and a special number. Each purchase also gets as much as 10GB monthly free Data for six months.

Samsung’s Product Manager, EIP & MNOs Business, Mr. Solomon Osibeluwo, thanked Globacom for its ongoing support in bringing Samsung’s latest innovations closer to customers and giving subscribers the chance to experience the brand’s newest technologies firsthand. He described the partnership as one built on years of trust and shared commitment.

According to Osibeluwo, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 series is an additional advancement in smartphone technology. The devices offer enhanced multitasking, powerful Galaxy AI features, and faster performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor.

In his remarks, Director of Gloworld, Mr. Mohamed Rabie, stated that the launch was another milestone in the enduring partnership between Globacom and Samsung. He said both companies have continued to introduce innovative devices, exclusive offers and exceptional customer experiences, combining Samsung’s AI-powered technology with Globacom’s trusted network and personalised services to help customers work smarter, create more and stay connected.

He announced that customers can pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold8 at any Gloworld outlet nationwide from July 22 to August 20, giving them early access to Samsung’s latest foldable smartphones.

The event also featured live demonstrations of the new devices, allowing guests including business partners, technology enthusiasts and members of the media to explore Samsung’s latest foldable technology, Galaxy AI features and productivity tools. The Masterclass further reinforced the shared commitment of Globacom and Samsung to delivering cutting-edge innovation and greater value to customers across Nigeria.