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An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris has ruled in favour of Nigeria in a case brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.
The tribunal issued its award on Thursday, September 17, 2026, rejecting Sunrise’s claims against the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The company had demanded $680 million as a settlement sum and interest in connection with a separate arbitration in which it is seeking more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest.
The dispute relates to the development of the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and an earlier contract concerning the construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.
In a statement, President Bola Ahmed 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 role in defending Nigeria’s position.
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 handling of the case.
The President acknowledged former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who testified in the arbitration, as well as former Ministers Babatunde Fashola and Suleiman Adamu and other witnesses and experts who participated in the proceedings.
He further commended the National Security Adviser for his support and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its investigation into the matter.
According to Tinubu, the ruling removes what he described as the “single biggest legal hurdle” that had stalled the Mambilla hydropower project for years.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to genuine investors and its legal obligations, while stressing that the government would continue to defend the country’s interests against claims it considers unfounded or exploitative.
