By Ogochukwu Isioma
An International Arbitration Tribunal under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris has ruled in favour of Nigeria in an arbitration brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.
The tribunal, in its award issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, rejected the claims brought by Sunrise against the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Sunrise had demanded $680 million as a settlement sum and interest in relation to another arbitration in which it is seeking more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest over disputes associated with the development of the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued following the ruling, said the decision affirmed Nigeria’s determination to resist what he described as “predatory and exploitative claims” against the country.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and the team at the Federal Ministry of Justice for their efforts in the case.
He also praised 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.
Tinubu further acknowledged the support and testimonies of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who testified in the case.
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 model, which he said was never authorised by the Federal Executive Council.
He also commended former Ministers Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, as well as other witnesses and experts who participated in the arbitration.
The President thanked the National Security Adviser for his support and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its investigation into the matter.
Tinubu said Nigeria would remain open to genuine investors while continuing to defend the country’s interests against claims it considers opportunistic.
“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 said.
The President added that the ICC ruling had removed “the single biggest legal hurdle” that had paralysed the Mambilla hydropower project for years.
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project is located in Taraba State and is designed to generate thousands of megawatts of electricity when completed.
Full Statement
STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
ICC CASE: AB SUNRISE POWER AND TRANSMISSION COMPANY LIMITED (SUNRISE) V. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA (NIGERIA) V. MR. LENO ADESANYA
An International Arbitration Tribunal under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, today, September 17, 2026, issued an award in favour of our country, rejecting the claims in the arbitration instituted by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Ltd (Sunrise).
The company had made a claim against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, demanding $680 million as a settlement sum and interest in respect of another arbitration in which it is claiming over $2.7 billion in compensation and interest relating to disputes associated with the development of the 3960mw Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project, located in Taraba State.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I commend the National Security Adviser for his support and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its investigation into the case.
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.
Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydro power project for years.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU,
September 17, 2026
