RismadarVoice Reporters
September 19, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its role in Nigeria’s successful defence of claims brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris ruled in Nigeria’s favour on September 17, rejecting claims by Sunrise linked to the long-running dispute over the project in Taraba State.
Sunrise had sought $680 million as a settlement sum and interest in one arbitration, while a separate claim involved more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest. The combined claims represented potential exposure of more than $3.38 billion for Nigeria.
The tribunal also ordered Sunrise and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, to reimburse Nigeria 75 per cent of its legal fees and expenses incurred during the arbitration.
Tinubu praised the Nigerian legal and government teams involved in the case, including Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, as well as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Muhammadu Buhari, who testified during the proceedings.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former Ministers of Power Babatunde Fashola and Suleiman Adamu, other witnesses and experts, and specifically commended the EFCC for its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disputed contract.
The dispute dates back to a 2003 agreement involving the proposed construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydropower plant under a build-operate-transfer arrangement. According to the Federal Government’s account, the contract was not authorised by the Federal Executive Council.
The Mambilla project was later expanded in plans to a 3,960-megawatt hydroelectric facility and became the subject of prolonged contractual and legal disputes.
The EFCC has separately investigated allegations surrounding the original contract. Former Power Minister Olu Agunloye is facing criminal proceedings over alleged fraudulent award and corruption connected to the project. He has denied the allegations.
Tinubu said the arbitration ruling had removed a major legal obstacle that had delayed the Mambilla project for years.
The President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with genuine investors while defending Nigeria’s interests in international disputes.
