Nigeria has secured a major legal victory in the long-running dispute surrounding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.
An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris has ruled in favour of Nigeria, rejecting claims totalling about $3.38 billion in disputes connected to the Mambilla project.
The decision, delivered on Thursday, September 17, 2026, represents a significant development in the legal battle involving Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, the Federal Government of Nigeria and Sunrise promoter, Leno Adesanya.
$3.38bn Claims Rejected
The tribunal rejected claims involving about $3.38 billion, including demands connected to settlement payments and compensation arising from disputes over the Mambilla project.
The figure should, however, not be confused with the $2.354 billion claim Sunrise Power originally brought against Nigeria in 2017 over an alleged breach of contract relating to the 2003 Mambilla agreement.
The distinction is important because the latest reports refer to multiple claims and related financial demands considered in the arbitration proceedings.
Nigeria To Recover Legal Costs
In addition to rejecting the claims against Nigeria, the tribunal ordered Sunrise Power and Leno Adesanya to reimburse 75 per cent of Nigeria’s legal fees and expenses, amounting to approximately $11.82 million.
The tribunal also awarded costs relating to the arbitration proceedings, with Sunrise Power and Adesanya responsible for 75 per cent and Nigeria responsible for the remaining 25 per cent.
Tinubu Hails Victory
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the ruling and commended Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the Federal Ministry of Justice and Nigeria’s legal team for their efforts in defending the country’s position.
Tinubu also acknowledged the roles played by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, who testified during the proceedings.
The President said the dispute dates back to a 2003 agreement concerning the proposed Mambilla power project.
‘Biggest Legal Hurdle’ Removed
Tinubu said the arbitration ruling had removed what he described as the “single biggest legal hurdle” that had stalled the Mambilla project for years.
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State has been under consideration for decades and has faced several contractual, legal, financing and implementation challenges.
The latest ruling, however, does not mean construction of the project has commenced.
Rather, it settles a major legal dispute surrounding the project and removes an important obstacle to any future efforts to move the project forward.
What Happens Next?
With the arbitration dispute now decided, attention is expected to shift towards the Federal Government’s next steps on the Mambilla project, particularly financing, contracting and implementation.
For Nigeria, the immediate outcome is the rejection of billions of dollars in claims and the recovery of a substantial portion of its legal expenses.
The bigger question now is whether the legal victory will be followed by concrete progress on the long-delayed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
