Corruption Stalls Nigeria's Mambilla Power Project

The Mambilla hydroelectric power project, initiated during Yakubu Gowon's military administration, aims to address Nigeria's persistent power shortages. Despite nearly a billion dollars spent on feasibility studies and preliminary work, the project remains stalled due to corruption, mismanagement, and legal disputes.

Former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman was recently convicted of corruption and sentenced to 75 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Abuja for money laundering related to the project. Mamman, who had gone underground following his conviction, was apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is also involved in the upcoming Taraba State governorship race under the Progress Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections. The Mambilla project has become a symbol of waste, with Nigeria's power sector suffering from a lack of transparency and accountability, as evidenced by the failure of the project to deliver any megawatts to the national grid since its formal award in 2003.