An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris has ruled in favour of Nigeria, rejecting claims brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over disputes connected to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.
The tribunal delivered its award on Thursday, September 17, 2026, dismissing Sunrise’s claim against the Federal Government of Nigeria for $680 million in settlement and interest.
The claim was linked to a separate arbitration in which Sunrise is seeking more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest over disputes surrounding the development of the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
In a statement issued by the State House, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the ruling as a significant victory for Nigeria and commended the legal and government officials who defended the country’s position in the arbitration.
The President said the ruling demonstrated Nigeria’s resolve to defend its national interests against claims he characterised as predatory and exploitative.
Tinubu commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and officials of 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 their handling of the arbitration.
The President further acknowledged the contributions of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who testified during the proceedings.
According to the statement, the dispute dates back to a 2003 contract for the construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer arrangement. The Federal Executive Council, the statement said, had not authorised the contract.
Tinubu also commended former Ministers Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, as well as other witnesses and experts who participated in the proceedings.
He acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which investigated aspects of the case.
The President said the Federal Government remained committed to working with genuine investors and honouring Nigeria’s legal obligations, while maintaining that the country would vigorously defend claims it considers detrimental to the national interest.
“Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydro power project for years,” Tinubu said.
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, planned for Taraba State, has long been regarded as a major component of Nigeria’s efforts to expand its electricity generation capacity.
