By Chesa Chesa
An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris has ruled in favour of Nigeria in a dispute involving Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement on Thursday, said the tribunal issued its award on September 17, 2026, rejecting the claims brought by Sunrise against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sunrise had demanded $680 million as a settlement sum and interest in connection with another arbitration in which it is seeking more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest over disputes relating to the development of the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
Tinubu described the ruling as a major victory for Nigeria, saying it affirmed the country’s determination to defend its interests against what he described as “predatory and exploitative claims” by local and international entities.
The President commended Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice for their role in the case.
He also praised Nigeria’s defence team, led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP, for what he described as their professional and effective defence of the country’s interests.
Tinubu further commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who testified in the arbitration, as well as former Ministers Babatunde Fashola and Suleiman Adamu and other witnesses and experts involved in the case.
According to the President, the dispute dates back to a 2003 contract for the construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.
He said the contract was not authorised by the Federal Executive Council.
Tinubu also acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which he said had investigated the matter.
The President said Nigeria remained committed to genuine investors and to honouring its legal obligations, but would continue to vigorously defend claims against the country’s commonwealth.
“Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydropower project for years,” Tinubu said.
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