ICC Rejects $3.38bn Claims Against Nigeria Over Mambilla Project — Tinubu


 

By Abel Chigozie


Nigeria has secured a major victory in its long-running arbitration dispute with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.


An International Arbitration Tribunal under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, ruled in favour of Nigeria and rejected claims brought by Sunrise Power.


The dispute involved a $680 million claim for a settlement sum and interest, alongside a separate claim of more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest relating to the proposed 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. 


The tribunal also rejected Sunrise’s demand for $400 million arising from a disputed 2020 settlement agreement and ruled that the company and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, should bear 75 per cent of Nigeria’s arbitration costs.


Nigeria was awarded about $11.82 million in legal fees and expenses, with reports stating that Sunrise and Adesanya are responsible for the outstanding portion of the award, subject to interest. 


Reacting to the ruling, President Bola Tinubu described the decision as a significant development in the government’s efforts to defend the country’s interests.


Tinubu commended Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Nigeria’s legal team led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP.


The President also acknowledged the contributions of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Muhammadu Buhari, who testified during the proceedings.


According to Tinubu, the dispute dates back to a 2003 agreement concerning the construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer arrangement. He maintained that the Federal Executive Council had not authorised the contract. 


He also commended former Ministers Babatunde Fashola and Suleiman Adamu, other witnesses and experts involved in the case, as well as the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for their roles in the matter.


The President said Nigeria remained open to genuine investors and committed to honouring its legal obligations but would continue to defend the country against what he described as opportunistic claims.


“Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydro power project for years,” Tinubu said. 


The Mambilla project has been delayed for years amid contractual and legal disputes, with the latest ICC decision removing a major legal obstacle surrounding the project. 

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