FRI SEPT 18 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria has won an international arbitration brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Ltd over the long-delayed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, a win President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, removes a major legal obstacle to the project.
An arbitration tribunal under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris issued an award in favour of Nigeria, rejecting claims brought by Sunrise, according to a statement by Tinubu.
Sunrise had sought $680 million as a settlement sum and interest in one arbitration, while a related case involves a claim of more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest arising from disputes over development of the Mambilla project in Taraba State, the president said.
The combined claims had put Nigeria’s potential exposure at more than $3.38 billion. The tribunal also rejected Sunrise’s claim for $400 million arising from a 2020 settlement agreement, according to Nigerian media reports on the award.
The dispute dates back to a 2003 agreement concerning construction of a large hydroelectric plant at Mambilla.
Sunrise has maintained that it had a valid contractual interest in the project, while successive Nigerian administrations have disputed aspects of the contract and its authorisation.
Sunrise began arbitration proceedings against Nigeria in 2017, seeking billions of dollars over the alleged breach of the 2003 agreement to develop a 3,050-megawatt plant under a build-operate-transfer model.
Nigerian authorities argued that the contract had not received the necessary government approvals and raised allegations concerning the circumstances surrounding its award.
The project has remained stalled through successive administrations and has been the subject of several legal and contractual disputes.
A separate settlement agreement reached in 2020 involved a proposed $200 million payment to Sunrise, with a further $200 million claimed by the company after the settlement was not implemented, according to reporting on the arbitration.
Former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Muhammadu Buhari both testified in the proceedings.
Obasanjo had previously said he did not authorise the original contract, while Buhari said he had not authorised the subsequent settlement agreement with Sunrise.
Reacting to the award, Tinubu said: “This latest decision affirms the Nigerian State’s determination not to succumb to predatory and exploitative claims by corrupt local and international entities and their enablers and funders.”
The president thanked Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi and officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice for their work on the case.
“On behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I strongly commend the tremendous efforts of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi and the entire team at the Federal Ministry of Justice for their efforts in this matter.”
He also praised Nigeria’s external legal team.
“I also commend the FRN defence team, led by Ms Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Mr Tolu Obamuroh, both of Paul Hastings LLP, for their professional and excellent defence of the country.”
Tinubu commended the role played by former presidents Obasanjo and Buhari, who testified in the case, and described the underlying 2003 contract as illegal.
“I commend the patriotism and support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who testified in the case, which dated back to an illegal 2003 contract to build a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer model. The Federal Executive Council never authorised the contract.”
He thanked other witnesses, including former ministers Babatunde Raji Fashola and Suleiman Adamu, as well as experts who participated in the proceedings.
“I thank the other witnesses in this case, including former Ministers Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, and the experts, for their active participation in defending Nigeria’s interest in the arbitration.”
The president also acknowledged the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“I commend the National Security Adviser for his support and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its investigation into the case.”
Tinubu said the ruling would not alter Nigeria’s stated intention to work with investors.
“I want to assure you that while our country remains committed to partnering with genuine investors and honouring its legal obligations, it will continue to defend all opportunistic claims instituted against our commonwealth strongly.”
He added: “Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydro power project for years.”
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