By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris ruled in favour of Nigeria on September 17, 2026, rejecting claims by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State. The ruling concerns a $680 million claim linked to a separate arbitration involving more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest.
ICC Rejects Sunrise Power’s Claims
The arbitration involved Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, the Federal Government of Nigeria and Leno Adesanya.
Sunrise had sought $680 million as a settlement sum and interest from Nigeria. The claim relates to disputes surrounding the development of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The separate arbitration involves claims exceeding $2.7 billion in compensation and interest.
The ICC tribunal rejected Sunrise’s claims in the latest proceedings. It also dismissed the company’s claim concerning an alleged breach of the settlement agreement and its addendum.
The tribunal also directed Sunrise Power and its promoter to refund Nigeria’s legal fees. The amount involved is reportedly $11.8 million.
Tinubu Commends Nigeria’s Legal Team
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the ICC ruling and commended Nigeria’s defence team.
He praised Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Tinubu also recognised the work of Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh. Both lawyers represented Nigeria through Paul Hastings LLP.
The President further thanked the witnesses and experts who participated in the proceedings.
Obasanjo and Buhari Testified in the Case
Tinubu acknowledged former President Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Muhammadu Buhari for their participation.
Both former presidents testified during the arbitration proceedings.
According to Tinubu, the dispute dates back to a 2003 contract for a hydroelectric plant in Taraba State.
The proposed project initially had a capacity of 3,050 megawatts. It was structured under a build-operate-transfer model.
Tinubu stated that the Federal Executive Council did not authorise the contract.
He also commended former ministers Babatunde Fashola and Suleiman Adamu. Other witnesses and experts also contributed to Nigeria’s defence.
Mambilla Project Faces Long-Running Legal Dispute
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project has faced prolonged legal and contractual disputes.
The project has undergone changes in its planned capacity and development structure over the years.
The latest ICC ruling addresses a major arbitration dispute involving Sunrise Power and Nigeria.
President Tinubu described the decision as a major step towards resolving the legal obstacles surrounding the project.
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Investors
President Tinubu said Nigeria remains committed to working with genuine investors.
He also stressed the government’s intention to honour its legal obligations.
At the same time, he said Nigeria would continue defending its interests against claims it considers opportunistic.
The President also acknowledged support from the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC investigated aspects of the dispute, according to the presidential statement.
ICC Ruling Removes Major Legal Obstacle
The ICC decision marks a significant development in the long-running Mambilla power project dispute.
Tinubu said the ruling clears what he described as the biggest legal hurdle affecting the project.
The Federal Government can now pursue the project without the latest arbitration claim hanging over it.
The ruling could therefore provide further clarity around the project’s future development.
