ICC Tribunal rejects $680m claim against Nigeria over Mambilla project

By Adebola Muili

An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris has ruled in favour of Nigeria, rejecting a $680 million claim brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.

Tinubu stated this in a statement personally signed on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in which he commended those involved in defending Nigeria’s position in the arbitration.

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 President described the ruling as a significant development for Nigeria, saying it affirmed the government’s determination to resist what he described as “predatory and exploitative claims” against the country.

He commended 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 defending Nigeria’s position in the matter.

Tinubu also commended Nigeria’s defence team, led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP, for what he described as their “professional and excellent defence of the country.”

The President further acknowledged the contributions of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who testified in the case, which dates back to a 2003 contract for the construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer model.

According to Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council never authorised the 2003 contract, which became part of the dispute surrounding the project.

He also commended former Ministers of Power, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, as well as other witnesses and experts who participated in the proceedings.

Tinubu acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which he said investigated the matter.

The President said Nigeria remained committed to partnering with genuine investors and honouring its legal obligations, but would continue to defend the nation’s interests against what he described as “opportunistic claims” against the country’s commonwealth.

He said the ICC ruling had cleared “the single biggest legal hurdle” that had stalled the Mambilla hydropower project for years.