ICYMI: Tinubu hails Obasanjo, Buhari as ICC tribunal rules in Nigeria’s favour in Sunrise Power case

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ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Muhammadu Buhari for their patriotism and support for Nigeria in the legal dispute involving Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Ltd (Sunrise).

The President’s commendation followed a ruling by an International Arbitration Tribunal under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, which on September 17, 2026, issued an award in favour of Nigeria, rejecting claims brought by Sunrise.

Sunrise had sought $680 million from the Federal Government as a settlement sum and interest in connection with another arbitration in which it is seeking more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest over disputes relating to the development of the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.

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In a statement issued by the State House, President Tinubu said the latest decision represented an important development in Nigeria’s defence of its interests in the arbitration.

The President commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and the Federal Ministry of Justice team for their efforts in the case.

He also commended the Nigerian 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.

Tinubu specifically acknowledged the contributions of former President Obasanjo and the late President Buhari, who testified in the case.

According to the President, the dispute dated back to a 2003 contract for the construction of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer model. He said the Federal Executive Council had never authorised the contract.

Tinubu also thanked former Ministers Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, as well as other witnesses and experts who participated in the arbitration.

He commended the National Security Adviser for his support and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its investigation into the case.

The President said Nigeria remained committed to partnering with genuine investors and honouring its legal obligations, while defending what he described as opportunistic claims against the country’s interests.

He described the ICC decision as clearing what he called the “single biggest legal hurdle” that had paralysed the Mambilla hydroelectric power project for years.

The President concluded by thanking all those involved in defending Nigeria’s position and said the country would continue to protect its interests in international disputes.