Tinubu Celebrates ICC Ruling Favoring Nigeria in Power Dispute

On September 17, 2026, the International Court of Arbitration ruled that Nigeria is not bound by a 2020 settlement with Sunrise Power and Transmission, owned by Leno Adesanya, due to improper government approval. This decision follows Nigeria's successful overturning of a previous arbitration with Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd., which threatened an $11 billion liability.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the ruling, stating it removes a significant legal obstacle for the Mambilla hydropower project, which has faced delays since its contract was awarded in 2003. The arbitration found that the 2020 settlement, which would have required Nigeria to pay $400 million plus interest, was not binding, citing the lack of authorization from the Federal Executive Council.

The tribunal ordered Sunrise and Adesanya to cover 75% of Nigeria's costs. Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari testified on Nigeria's behalf, and Tinubu commended their patriotism and the efforts of Attorney-General Prince Lateef Fagbemi.