The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project has cleared a major legal hurdle after an ICC tribunal in Paris rejected Sunrise Power claims involving more than $3.38 billion in potential financial exposure.
Nigeria has secured a major legal breakthrough in the long-running dispute surrounding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project after an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris rejected claims brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
The tribunal issued its award on September 17, 2026, ruling in favour of Nigeria in the arbitration involving Sunrise Power and the Federal Government.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed the development in a statement issued by the State House, describing the ruling as a major step towards resolving the legal obstacles that have affected the Mambilla project for years.
Sunrise had demanded $680 million as a settlement sum and interest in connection with a separate arbitration in which it was 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 in Taraba State.
The claims represented potential financial exposure of more than $3.38 billion for Nigeria.
The dispute dates back to a 2003 contract for the development of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.
Tinubu said the Federal Executive Council had never authorised the 2003 contract and commended former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Muhammadu Buhari for testifying in the case.
The President also commended 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.
He acknowledged the country’s external defence team led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP for their work on the case.
Tinubu also thanked former Ministers of Power Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, as well as other witnesses and experts who participated in the arbitration.
He commended the National Security Adviser for his support and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its investigation into the matter.
According to reports on the tribunal’s final award, the panel also rejected Sunrise’s claim arising from a settlement agreement that could have required Nigeria to pay $400 million, comprising a $200 million settlement sum and an additional $200 million default payment. The tribunal further ordered Sunrise and its promoter to reimburse Nigeria’s legal costs.
Tinubu said the Federal Government remained committed to working with genuine investors and honouring Nigeria’s legal obligations, while defending the country’s interests against claims it considers unfounded or 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,” the President said.
He described the ICC decision as significant for the Mambilla project.
“Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydro power project for years,” Tinubu said.
The ruling concerns the legal dispute surrounding the project and does not, by itself, constitute completion or commencement of construction of the Mambilla power plant.
The Mambilla project, planned for Taraba State, has been under development for decades and has been affected by contractual and legal disputes. The project is currently described by the Federal Government as a 3,960MW development, while the disputed 2003 contract concerned a proposed 3,050MW plant.
The ICC decision removes the claims addressed in the arbitration and represents a significant development in the government’s efforts to resolve the legal issues surrounding the long-delayed project.
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