In a landmark development in the ongoing $2.3 billion Mambilla Power Project dispute, former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari have testified before a Paris court, denying any contractual agreement between the Nigerian government and Sunrise Power & Transmission Company for the construction of the Mambilla Hydro Power Plant.
The case, which has been a source of tension between the Nigerian government and Sunrise Power, revolves around allegations that the company was unjustly denied a contract for the highly anticipated project, a key part of Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its electricity generation capacity.
Testifying at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration in Paris, both Obasanjo and Buhari unequivocally stated that the Nigerian government never awarded any official contract to Sunrise Power. The former leaders emphasized that while discussions were held regarding the development of the Mambilla Power Project, no binding agreement was ever finalized or authorized by the government.
"The Nigerian government has always been committed to ensuring the successful realization of the Mambilla Power Project, but it has adhered to due process in all dealings, ensuring transparency and the best interests of the Nigerian people," said Obasanjo, who served as president from 1999 to 2007.
Buhari, who led the country from 2015 to 2023, echoed similar sentiments, stating that during his tenure, the government acted within the bounds of the law and upheld international agreements. He emphasized that any claims of a contract being awarded to Sunrise Power were unfounded and without merit.
The dispute stems from a controversial attempt by Sunrise Power to claim compensation for the alleged cancellation of its contract for the Mambilla project, initially awarded to the company by the Nigerian government in the early 2000s. The project, which has been marred by delays and political wrangling, is set to be one of the largest power initiatives in Africa, with the potential to provide a significant boost to Nigeria's electricity supply.
The Paris court's ruling on this case could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's infrastructure projects and its relationships with foreign investors.