Nigeria has secured a major victory in the long-running dispute surrounding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project after an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris ruled in favour of the Federal Government.
The tribunal, on September 17, 2026, rejected claims brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited in connection with the controversial Taraba State project.
The Mambilla arbitration case involved a demand for $680 million in settlement and interest linked to a separate arbitration in which Sunrise was seeking more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest over disputes surrounding the development of the project.
The combined claims placed Nigeria’s potential exposure at more than $3.38 billion, according to reports on the tribunal’s decision.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the ruling, describing it as a major development that removes what he called the biggest legal obstacle that had delayed the Mambilla project for years.
Tinubu commends legal team
In a statement, Tinubu praised Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice for their role in defending Nigeria’s position.
The President also commended Nigeria’s defence team, led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP.
He acknowledged the contributions of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who testified during the proceedings.
According to Tinubu, the dispute dates back to a 2003 agreement involving plans to develop a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba under a build-operate-transfer arrangement. He said the Federal Executive Council did not authorise the contract.
The President also recognised former ministers Babatunde Fashola and Suleiman Adamu, as well as other witnesses and experts who participated in the arbitration.
Tribunal rejects Sunrise claims
Details of the ruling reported after the award show that the tribunal rejected Sunrise’s claim that Nigeria breached its obligations under a settlement agreement and an accompanying addendum.
The tribunal also dismissed a $400 million demand connected to the settlement dispute. In addition, Sunrise and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, were ordered to reimburse Nigeria for 75 per cent of its legal fees and expenses, reported at about $11.82 million.
The arbitration costs were also apportioned between the parties, with Sunrise and Adesanya bearing 75 per cent.
The original dispute dates back to Sunrise’s 2003 agreement relating to the Mambilla project, with the company later commencing arbitration proceedings against Nigeria in 2017.
The Mambilla arbitration case has therefore been a major legal issue surrounding the proposed power project, with the latest ICC decision removing a significant dispute between the company and the Nigerian government.
Tinubu pledges continued defence of Nigeria’s interests
Tinubu said Nigeria remains open to genuine investors and committed to fulfilling its legal obligations but would continue to defend the country’s interests against claims it considers unjustified.
He also commended the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for their involvement in the matter.
The President said the latest ICC ruling had cleared the “single biggest legal hurdle” that had hindered progress on the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The project is located in Taraba State and has remained one of Nigeria’s major proposed power-generation projects. The government now faces the task of advancing the project after the latest arbitration decision.
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