By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris has rejected a $680 million claim by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited against the Federal Republic of Nigeria over disputes arising from the stalled Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.
The tribunal delivered the ruling in favour of Nigeria on Thursday, 17 September, 2026, dismissing Sunrise’s claim for $680 million in settlement and interest in connection with a separate arbitration in which the company is seeking more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest over the project.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued on Thursday, 17th September, 2026 described the ruling as a major development in the long-running dispute, saying it had cleared the single biggest legal hurdle that had paralysed the Mambilla hydropower project for years.
The President said the decision affirmed Nigeria’s determination to resist what he described as “predatory and exploitative claims” by corrupt local and international entities, as well as their alleged enablers and funders.
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 efforts in defending Nigeria’s position.
He also praised the Federal Government’s defence team, led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP, for what he described as their professional defence of the country.
The President further commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Muhammadu Buhari, who, he said, testified in the case dating back to a 2003 contract for the construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a Build-Operate-Transfer model.
According to Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council never authorised the contract.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former Ministers Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, other witnesses and experts who participated in the proceedings.
Tinubu commended the National Security Adviser for his support and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its investigation into the case.
The President said the Federal Government remained committed to partnering with genuine investors and honouring its legal obligations, but would continue to defend the country against claims it considers opportunistic and detrimental to Nigeria’s commonwealth.
The Mambilla project, which is located in Taraba State, has been stalled for years amid contractual and legal disputes.
Tinubu said the ICC ruling had now removed the major legal obstacle to the project’s progress.
He concluded by reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests in international disputes.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President said.
