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Nigeria-Sunrise Power Mambilla project arbitration

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2026-09-20 06:13 UTC → 2026-09-20 22:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal in Paris has ruled in favor of Nigeria regarding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State. The tribunal dismissed multi-billion dollar claims brought by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited and its promoter, Leno Adesanya. The ruling rejected a USD 2.35 billion claim and a separate USD 400 million settlement claim, effectively preventing Nigeria’s potential exposure from exceeding USD 3.38 billion. The tribunal found that previous settlement agreements involving Sunrise were products of corruption and unenforceable under Nigerian public policy. Specifically, the tribunal criticized former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman, finding they lacked the authority to bind the federal government and noting that Malami had reached a “corrupt deal” with Adesanya. Additionally, the tribunal ordered Sunrise Power and Adesanya to reimburse the Nigerian government approximately USD 11.82 million for legal fees and expenses, representing roughly 75 percent of Nigeria’s legal costs. The tribunal also determined that Adesanya is personally bound by the arbitration agreement. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu characterized the decision as removing the “single biggest legal hurdle” that had stalled the project for years. While the ruling is a significant victory for Nigeria, Leno Adesanya stated that Sunrise Power is reviewing the award and considering lawful options for next steps. The Arewa Think Tank has described the decision as a victory for the protection of Nigeria’s national interests and public finances.

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