Nigeria Wins ICC Arbitration in $2.7B Mambilla Project Dispute; Malami Denies Corruption Findings
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TL;DR
- Nigeria defeated claims exceeding $2.7 billion in an ICC arbitration over the Mambilla power project.
- The tribunal ordered Sunrise Power and its promoter to pay most of Nigeria's legal costs.
- The award report contains adverse findings regarding AGF Malami's settlement involvement.
- Malami categorically denied any corrupt arrangement with Sunrise and emphasized that arbitration proceedings are not criminal trials.
Overview
On September 16, 2026, an ICC arbitral tribunal in Paris issued a final award rejecting claims by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited against Nigeria relating to the long-delayed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The tribunal dismissed Sunrise's claims and ordered that the company and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, reimburse Nigeria for a significant portion of legal costs.
Former Attorney-General of Nigeria Abubakar Malami, while welcoming Nigeria's victory, categorically denied allegations of a corrupt arrangement identified in the tribunal's findings.
What Happened
The ICC tribunal delivered a final award on September 16, 2026, in Paris, rejecting all claims by Sunrise Power linked to the Mambilla project and ordering Sunrise and its promoter to pay a substantial portion of Nigeria's legal costs.
Sunrise had sought $680 million plus interest in one arbitration, and over $2.7 billion in a related dispute concerning the same project.
The tribunal also dismissed Sunrise's demand of $400 million based on a settlement agreement and alleged default by Nigeria.
Reports of the award note that the tribunal made adverse findings regarding a purported corrupt arrangement between former AGF Abubakar Malami and Sunrise Power's Leno Adesanya.
Malami issued a statement welcoming Nigeria's overall win and strongly rejecting the suggestion of any corrupt deal, emphasizing that the arbitration was not a criminal proceeding.
Context
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project has faced delays and disputes spanning multiple administrations.
Sunrise Power became involved in the project in 2003, with disagreements over contracts and settlement negotiations continuing over years.
A prior agreement involving a $200 million settlement was not approved by former President Buhari, leading to continued dispute and eventual arbitration.
Why It Matters
- The tribunal's award removes significant legal obstacles to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
- The reported findings regarding public official conduct may trigger further scrutiny or require official responses.
- The decision clarifies Nigeria's position and financial obligations in relation to Sunrise Power and Mambilla project contracts.