Nigeria has secured a major legal victory after an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration tribunal in Paris rejected claims brought against the Federal Government by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, September 17, 2026, saying the tribunal had issued an award in favour of Nigeria.
Tinubu explained that Sunrise had demanded $680 million as a settlement sum and interest in connection with another arbitration in which the company 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.
The two claims represent potential exposure of more than $3.38 billion, based on the figures contained in the presidency’s statement.
Tinubu Hails Legal Team
The President commended 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.
He also praised the country’s defence team, led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP.
Tinubu further acknowledged the contributions of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said testified in the arbitration.
Other witnesses recognised by the President included former Ministers of Power Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, as well as experts involved in the case.
Dispute Traces Back To 2003 Contract
According to the President, the dispute dates back to a 2003 contract for the construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.
Tinubu said the Federal Executive Council had never authorised the contract.
The Mambilla project has been the subject of prolonged contractual and legal disputes, with Sunrise pursuing arbitration claims arising from agreements connected to the project. Recent reports said the latest tribunal ruling rejected the claims connected to the settlement dispute and the wider Mambilla disagreement.
President Says Ruling Removes Major Hurdle
Tinubu described the ruling as a major development for the long-delayed power project.
“Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydro power project for years,” the President said.
He added that Nigeria remained committed to partnering with genuine investors and honouring its legal obligations, while defending the country’s interests against what he described as opportunistic claims.
Tinubu also commended the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for their roles in the matter, including the EFCC’s investigation into the case.
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, planned in Taraba State, is one of Nigeria’s major proposed power-generation projects and has faced years of delays linked to contractual and legal disputes.
The latest arbitration ruling comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to resolve the legal issues surrounding the project and move it towards implementation.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.