ICC Tribunal Dismisses Multi-Billion Dollar Claims Against Nigeria

An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal in Paris ruled in favor of the Government of Nigeria on September 17, 2026, dismissing multi-billion dollar arbitration claims filed by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company and its promoter, Leno Adesanya. The claims, which ranged between $2.35 billion and $3.38 billion depending on the specific claim and interest, stemmed from a disputed 2003 agreement to build the Mambilla hydropower project in Taraba State.

The tribunal rejected assertions that Nigeria breached contractual obligations and denied a request for a $400 million payment. The dispute involved a 2003 preliminary award that the Nigerian government maintained was never approved by the Federal Executive Council, a point supported by testimony from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Consequently, the tribunal ordered Sunrise Power and Adesanya to reimburse Nigeria for approximately $9.32 million in legal fees, plus 10% annual interest.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu characterized the decision as a victory against "predatory and exploitative claims" and stated that the ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralyzed the project for years. The government had previously excluded the project from the 2024 budget due to these legal complications. While the project was originally planned at 3,960MW, it was later rescoped to 1,500MW to ensure financial viability.