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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has rejected allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council that he compromised Nigeria’s interests in the Mambilla hydropower project.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris did not find him guilty of corruption or rule that he received a $500,000 bribe linked to the project.

His response came after the APC campaign council called on him to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race over allegations connected to the Mambilla project and a payment made to Jennifer Douglas, his then-wife, in 2003.

The dispute followed the ICC tribunal’s recent ruling in favour of Nigeria in the arbitration involving Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited and the Federal Government.

The tribunal rejected Sunrise’s claims over the Mambilla project and ordered the company and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, to reimburse Nigeria for part of its legal expenses. Reports on the award put the recoverable Nigerian legal costs at about $11.82 million.

A major issue examined during the arbitration was a $500,000 payment that Adesanya transferred through China Castle Investments Limited to Douglas’s United States bank account on January 30, 2003.

Adesanya told the tribunal that the money represented a foreign-exchange transaction carried out for Atiku. The tribunal, however, rejected his explanation because it was not supported by sufficient documentary evidence.

The APC subsequently linked the payment to negotiations over the Mambilla project and alleged that Atiku, who was vice-president at the time, worked with then Minister of Power Olu Agunloye to facilitate the contract.

Atiku, through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, challenged the APC to identify where the ICC award made the alleged finding against him.

He accused the ruling party of presenting allegations considered during the arbitration as though they amounted to a corruption verdict.

“The APC cannot manufacture the missing finding simply because the actual award does not provide the political conclusion it desperately wants,” Atiku said.

He added:

“Nigeria alleged before the tribunal that the transfer was connected to the disputed Mambilla contract. Sunrise and Adesanya denied that allegation.

“Adesanya offered an explanation which the tribunal did not accept.

“But an unsuccessful explanation by Leno Adesanya does not automatically become a corruption verdict against Atiku Abubakar.

“I was not a member of the technical process that evaluated the competing proposals and recommended Sunrise. I did not sit on the procurement panel.

“I did not award the contract. So anyone alleging that I manipulated that process has a simple responsibility: show the instruction I gave, show the intervention I made, and show the paragraph of the tribunal award where that corrupt influence was found.

“If the tribunal wanted to find that the $500,000 was a bribe paid to Atiku, it could have said so plainly. If it wanted to find that Atiku abused his office to procure the contract for Sunrise, it could have said so plainly.

“The APC cannot insert into an international arbitral award words and conclusions that the arbitrators themselves did not put there.”

Atiku Rejects Claim That Tribunal Summoned Him

The former vice-president also disputed the claim that the tribunal summoned him to give evidence but that he refused to appear.

He said the fact that former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Muhammadu Buhari participated in the proceedings did not mean that he was also summoned.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I was not a party to the arbitration and I did not testify before the tribunal,” Atiku said.

“The reported contents of the award do not establish that the tribunal summoned me, ordered me to testify or found that I disobeyed any directive to appear.

“There is a world of difference between a party to an arbitration attempting to secure somebody’s testimony and the tribunal itself summoning that person to appear.

“Those distinctions matter. The APC cannot erase them simply because doing so makes for a more convenient headline.”

Atiku also compared the allegations against him with the long-running controversy over a $460,000 forfeiture involving President Bola Tinubu in the United States.

The ICC proceedings themselves examined Atiku’s role in the Mambilla project and his reported involvement in discussions around the project. However, reports on the final award indicate that the tribunal did not make a finding that Atiku personally received the $500,000 as a bribe.

The arbitration arose from a dispute between Sunrise and the Nigerian government over the Mambilla hydropower project. Sunrise had sought billions of dollars in claims against Nigeria, but the tribunal ultimately ruled against the company’s claims.

The latest exchange has added another political dimension to the Mambilla controversy, with the APC and Atiku offering different interpretations of what the ICC tribunal’s findings mean for the former vice-president.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has overturned a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that had invalidated the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

The appellate court delivered its decision on Friday, September 18, 2026, in a case arising from the June ruling of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, which had set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.

Justice Isah Dashen had previously ruled that the December 10, 2025 judgment directing INEC to register the NDC was delivered without hearing all parties with a legal interest in the matter.

The decision followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it had sufficient legal interest in the case and ought to have been joined before the earlier judgment was delivered.

Justice Dashen accepted the argument and held that the failure to include the PMP affected the validity of the proceedings.

The NDC subsequently challenged the Federal High Court’s decision at the Court of Appeal. The appellate court has now set aside the Lokoja judgment and restored the legal position that recognised the party’s registration.

Dickson Welcomes Court Decision

Reacting to the judgment, Seriake Dickson, national leader of the NDC, said the ruling means the party’s registration “remains valid and subsisting”.

Dickson also said the party would now turn its attention to the 2027 general elections and its political contest with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement posted on his X handle, he said: “We want to use this opportunity once again to commend the Nigerian judiciary, and in particular, Hon. Justice Danjuma and Hon. Justice Hassan, for upholding the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary and, by their decisions, expanding the sphere of multiparty democratic participation in Nigeria,” the statement reads.


He added: “We have said repeatedly that the NDC was set up to expand the frontier of multiparty democracy in Nigeria. Justice Dashen’s judgment a few months ago was an unexpected assault on our constitutional right to participate and an attempt to narrow the democratic space.


“Happily, today, by the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Nigerian democratic space has been protected, and the NDC’s right to participate in all political activities as a registered political party has been upheld.”


The Court of Appeal ruling comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections. Reports on the judgment indicate that the appellate court’s majority decision overturned the Lokoja ruling, while a dissenting view was also recorded by a member of the panel.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump’s administration has announced an immediate ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

The decision followed Trump’s criticism of the three media organisations over their coverage of his administration.

Trump expressed his displeasure in a social media post on Friday, accusing the outlets of publishing what he described as false reports about him, his government and the United States.

He wrote that the organisations were “‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” before adding, “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” suggesting that further media restrictions could follow.

The White House announcement has raised questions about press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists to cover the US government.

Reporting from Washington, Al Jazeera correspondent Alan Fisher said the decision would likely face a legal challenge.

“This will be challenged, probably before the end of the day,” Fisher reported. “The United States has the First Amendment [of its Constitution] that says the government cannot restrict access to this sort of thing.”

Fisher noted that previous US presidents had also expressed anger over unfavourable media coverage and considered restricting access to the White House.

“Other presidents have been angry at the press coverage before. Linden B Johnson used to rail about it. Richard Nixon wondered whether or not he could ban certain people from the White House as well,” he said. “At every point they were told it’s not a good look.”

The development is expected to generate further debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the American media, particularly concerning the limits of presidential authority and the First Amendment’s protection of press freedom.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump’s administration has announced an immediate ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, Al-Jazeera reports.

The decision followed Trump’s criticism of the three media organisations over their coverage of his administration.

Trump expressed his displeasure in a social media post on Friday, accusing the outlets of publishing what he described as false reports about him, his government and the United States.

He wrote that the organisations were “‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” before adding, “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” suggesting that further media restrictions could follow.

The White House announcement has raised questions about press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists to cover the US government.

Reporting from Washington, Al Jazeera correspondent Alan Fisher said the decision would likely face a legal challenge.

“This will be challenged, probably before the end of the day,” Fisher reported. “The United States has the First Amendment [of its Constitution] that says the government cannot restrict access to this sort of thing.”

Fisher noted that previous US presidents had also expressed anger over unfavourable media coverage and considered restricting access to the White House.

“Other presidents have been angry at the press coverage before. Linden B Johnson used to rail about it. Richard Nixon wondered whether or not he could ban certain people from the White House as well,” he said. “At every point they were told it’s not a good look.”

The development is expected to generate further debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the American media, particularly concerning the limits of presidential authority and the First Amendment’s protection of press freedom.

By Anwar Usman

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has visited Niger State promising that the police would leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The IGP, who arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Friday, said the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to uncover the facts behind the deaths.

Disu said the police had a responsibility to investigate deaths in custody, describing the incident involving the 37 suspected miners as tragic.

“I am here this afternoon because of the tragic incident where we lost the lives of 37 citizens of Minna and of this same great state. It is a very tragic incident, and we want to assure you, Your Excellency, that we will leave no stone unturned to unravel the situation that led to these deaths,” he said.

He also urged residents to remain calm assuring them that the investigation would not be compromised.

He said “We want to assure them to be calm, that we would not compromise in ensuring that the proper thing is done to unravel the cause of this incident”

Disu warned residents against taking the law into their hands, saying the police would intensify efforts to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Earlier, the governor of Niger, Umar Bago, had confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody and said the state government had commenced forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies to establish the cause of the deaths.

On the other hand, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had also ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident which resulted in suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.

Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should lose his life in government custody due to negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

He expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, describing the development as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

“While the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country, enforcement operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person in custody,” the President said.

He added that suspicion of illegal mining does not remove a person’s right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.

“Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care,” Tinubu said.

He directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. “There must be accountability,” he said.

The President directed relevant authorities to ensure the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, covering the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

He also said the suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.

Tinubu directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process or attempts to frustrate the establishment of the truth.

He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls. He also appealed for calm among affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.

“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, after more than 30 suspected illegal miners died following their arrest during enforcement operations.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the suspension on Friday pending a full investigation into the deaths. The minister’s spokesman, Alao Babatunde, said in a statement that Aniviye would remain suspended while authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The suspects were arrested on September 15 and 16 during operations against illegal mining in Niger State and detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna. SaharaReporters had reported that no fewer than 33 suspected illegal miners were feared dead, with the deaths discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, after a suspected disease outbreak among detainees.

“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” Tunji-Ojo said.

The minister said the government’s priority remained the protection of lives, adding: “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this.”

The Federal Government did not provide further details on the number of people who died, their identities or the immediate circumstances that led to the deaths.

The investigation is expected to establish what happened between the arrests during the September 15 and 16 enforcement operations and the reported deaths in the early hours of Thursday.

Tunji-Ojo appealed to the public to remain calm and law-abiding, and urged Nigerians to allow authorities carry out what he described as a transparent investigation. He also commiserated with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families of those who died.

The NSCDC, which is supervised by the Interior Ministry, is responsible for protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, supporting law enforcement and maintaining public safety. Illegal mining has remained a major concern in several parts of Nigeria, with authorities frequently carrying out enforcement operations against unauthorised miners.

The government has not announced when the investigation will be concluded or named the officials or agencies that will conduct it.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the Federal Government’s plan to end electricity subsidies from 2027.

Atiku made the appeal in a video address on Friday while discussing the rising cost of living, government interventions and increasing energy costs across Nigeria.

The Federal Government has said it intends to phase out electricity subsidies from 2027 as part of efforts to tackle accumulated financial obligations in the power sector and create a more sustainable electricity market.

Power Minister, Joseph Tegbe, said the government was developing measures to protect vulnerable electricity consumers from the impact of the reforms.

However, Atiku argued that removing the subsidy without first easing the financial pressure on households and businesses could further deepen the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.

He said government measures such as food distribution and cash transfers could offer temporary relief but would not address the underlying causes of rising living costs.

“A bag of rice cannot repair an economy in which transportation costs outrun salaries,” Atiku said.

“A cash transfer cannot permanently compensate a worker for whose income is continually eroded by energy costs. Palliatives manage pain. Good policy addresses the source of the pain.”

The former vice president said Nigerians were already dealing with significant economic pressure, adding that the proposed electricity subsidy withdrawal could introduce another burden.

“And as if the pressure on families were not enough, Nigerians are now being told that electricity subsidies will be phased out in 2027,” he said.

Atiku maintained that electricity bills were already placing considerable pressure on households and businesses.

“Electricity is already expensive. Families are calculating how long their units will last,” he said.

“Small businesses are struggling to keep the lights on. Manufacturers are spending enormous amounts on electricity, diesel, and alternative power simply to keep factories running.”

He listed several businesses that rely heavily on electricity and could be affected by further increases in energy costs.

“The barber needs electricity for his clippers. The tailor needs it for her machines. The frozen food seller needs it to preserve her stock. The welder needs it for his equipment. The manufacturer needs it to keep the factory alive,” Atiku said.

The ADC presidential candidate also urged the administration to learn from the consequences of the removal of petrol subsidies before implementing another major energy reform.

“The lesson of petrol must not be repeated with electricity,” he said.

“Do not remove first and think later. Do not impose the pain first and search for palliatives afterwards.”

The planned withdrawal of electricity subsidies comes as the government seeks to address the financial difficulties within the power sector.

Tegbe said in July that the government was working towards ending electricity subsidy payments in 2027 while addressing an estimated ₦3.3 trillion in legacy debt within the electricity market.

Atiku urged Tinubu to devote the remaining period of his administration to measures that could reduce the financial pressure on Nigerians.

He also cautioned the government against treating the period before the 2027 general election as too short to make a difference in the lives of citizens.

“Eight months may sound short inside Aso Rock, but eight months is a very long time when you are living from hand to mouth,” he said.

“Use that time to reduce burden on Nigerians, please.”

Despite their political differences, Atiku said he was willing to share policy proposals with the Federal Government if they could help ease the difficulties facing Nigerians.

“And if your government requires policy ideas or technical input on how to bring relief, I am prepared to make mine available,” he said.

“Nigerians do not have to wait for another administration before they benefit from an idea that can help them today.”

He added: “If you need the framework, I will provide it. Implement it under your government. Give it whatever name you choose. Take the credit.”

Atiku said political competition between him and Tinubu should not come ahead of the interests of Nigerians.

“I ask for only one thing. Let Nigerians breathe,” he said.

“I am prepared to compete with you politically, but I will never compete with the welfare of the Nigerian people.”

The comments come as discussions over the future of energy subsidies continue ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku has also expressed support for restoring petrol subsidies if elected president, a position that has drawn criticism from the Tinubu administration and other commentators.

While the Federal Government maintains that electricity subsidies are no longer financially sustainable and that reforms are necessary to strengthen the power sector, Atiku is calling for a transition that would not place additional pressure on households and businesses.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.

The suspects were apprehended during operations carried out by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.

Reports had earlier indicated that at least 33 suspected illegal miners died after they were detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.

The deaths were reportedly discovered early Thursday. The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, was said to have linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the exact cause of the deaths had not been established.

The Corps said claims that a particular disease caused the deaths would require medical and laboratory confirmation before such a conclusion could be reached.

The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to Afolabi, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative panel to establish what led to the deaths.

The panel will be headed by the Deputy Commandant General responsible for Intelligence and Investigation.

Afolabi said investigators would examine several aspects of the incident, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention they received.

The statement partly read:

“NSCDC has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

“Following the development, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Audi also ordered the Corps to give priority to the health and welfare of people who remain in custody.

The NSCDC said measures were also being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.

The Corps expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be investigated.

Afolabi further said the Corps would avoid drawing conclusions until medical examinations establish the cause of the deaths.

“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.

“The Corps extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and assures them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria has secured a major victory in the long-running arbitration dispute with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.

An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in Paris, France, issued its final award on September 17, 2026, rejecting Sunrise Power’s claims against the Federal Government. The related claims had exposed Nigeria to potential liabilities of more than $3.38 billion.

President Bola Tinubu confirmed the ruling in a statement on Thursday. He said the decision had removed a major legal obstacle to the long-delayed power project.

“Today’s ICC ruling clears the single biggest legal hurdle that has paralysed the Mambilla hydro power project for years,” the President said.

The dispute dates back to 2003, when an agreement was reached for the development of a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.

Sunrise commenced arbitration proceedings against Nigeria at the ICC International Court of Arbitration on October 10, 2017. The company sought about $2.35 billion over what it described as a breach of contractual obligations.

A separate dispute later emerged from a 2020 settlement agreement. Sunrise sought $400 million, comprising a $200 million settlement sum and an additional $200 million default payment. The Presidency said the company also had a separate claim for more than $2.7 billion in compensation and interest, bringing the potential exposure from the related claims above $3.38 billion.

Tribunal Rejects Sunrise’s Claims

Details of the award show that the three-member tribunal rejected Sunrise’s request for a declaration that Nigeria had breached its obligations under the settlement agreement and its addendum.

The panel also dismissed the company’s demand for the $400 million settlement and default payments.

The tribunal further held that Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power, was bound by the arbitration agreement under the settlement arrangement and its addendum.

It also ruled that it had jurisdiction over Nigeria’s counterclaim against Adesanya and Sunrise.

The tribunal ordered Sunrise and Adesanya to reimburse Nigeria for 75 per cent of the legal fees and expenses incurred during the arbitration.

Nigeria’s legal fees were put at about $11.82 million. Of that amount, $2.5 million is expected to come from funds held in escrow by the ICC, while Sunrise and Adesanya are to pay the remaining $9.32 million.

The outstanding amount will attract 10 per cent annual interest, compounded annually, from notification of the final award until full payment. The tribunal also fixed the arbitration costs at about $1.66 million, with Sunrise and Adesanya responsible for 75 per cent and Nigeria for the remaining 25 per cent.

The tribunal was chaired by Melaine van Leeuwen, with Stavros Brekoulakis and Simon Nesbitt as co-arbitrators.

Nigeria’s defence team was led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP.

Tinubu commended Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice for their role in the case.

He also praised the lawyers who represented Nigeria.

“This latest decision affirms the Nigerian State’s determination not to succumb to predatory and exploitative claims by corrupt local and international entities and their enablers and funders,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu Praises Obasanjo, Buhari

The President also commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late former President Muhammadu Buhari for their participation in the arbitration proceedings.

Both former presidents testified in Nigeria’s defence.

“I commend the patriotism and support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who testified in the case, which dated back to an illegal 2003 contract to build a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer model. The Federal Executive Council never authorised the contract,” he said.

Tinubu also recognised former ministers Babatunde Fashola and Suleiman Adamu, as well as other witnesses and experts who took part in Nigeria’s defence.

He further commended the National Security Adviser for supporting the government’s position and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for its investigation into the matter.

The President said the government remained open to legitimate investment while maintaining that Nigeria would defend its interests against claims it considers unjustified.

“I want to assure you that while our country remains committed to partnering with genuine investors and honouring its legal obligations, it will continue to defend all opportunistic claims instituted against our commonwealth strongly,” the President said.

Mambilla Project Faces Long Delay

The Mambilla project has remained largely uncompleted despite its identification by successive administrations as a major addition to Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity.

The original proposal was for a 3,050MW facility. The Federal Government later reduced the planned capacity to about 1,525MW and subsequently rescaled it to approximately 1,500MW in an effort to improve its financial viability and make it “bankable” for lenders.

The project has faced several obstacles, including legal disputes, financing difficulties and changes to its implementation arrangements.

The parties had attempted to settle their dispute in 2020, but disagreements over the implementation of the settlement eventually resulted in another arbitration.

The latest ICC decision has therefore removed a major legal dispute surrounding the project, although the project still faces financing and implementation issues before construction can move forward.

Nigeria’s victory in the case comes after other major international disputes involving the Federal Government. In 2023, a UK court set aside an $11 billion arbitration award against Nigeria in the case involving Process & Industrial Developments Limited over a failed gas processing agreement.

The Mambilla project has also featured in investigations and court proceedings involving former officials of the power sector, while questions over financing and policy continuity have continued to affect major electricity projects in the country.