Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has defended his role in the controversial $200 million settlement between the Federal Government and Sunrise Power over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
Malami said his actions were guided by what he considered to be Nigeria’s best interests, following criticism arising from a recent ruling by an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal.
The tribunal, in a 616-page final award delivered in Paris on September 16, 2026, rejected Sunrise Power’s claims against Nigeria and held that the 2020 settlement agreement and its subsequent addendum were unenforceable. It also found that the agreements were products of corruption and violated Nigerian public policy.
The dispute centres on a 2020 agreement under which Nigeria was to pay Sunrise Power $200 million to settle its claims relating to the Mambilla hydropower project in Taraba State. A subsequent addendum introduced an additional $200 million default provision, potentially increasing Nigeria’s exposure to $400 million, alongside interest.
The ICC tribunal criticised Malami’s handling of the negotiations, including his dealings with Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power. It said Malami had acted against Nigeria’s interests and described the settlement arrangements as involving corruption.
However, Malami has rejected that characterisation, maintaining that his actions were undertaken in his official capacity and with the interest of the Federal Government in mind.
The tribunal also found that Malami and former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman lacked the authority to bind the Federal Government to the settlement without presidential approval. Former President Muhammadu Buhari had previously rejected Malami’s request for approval to pay the $200 million, stating that the government did not have the funds for the settlement.
The ICC ultimately dismissed Sunrise Power’s claims and ordered the company and Adesanya to reimburse a substantial portion of Nigeria’s legal costs.
Malami’s response comes as renewed attention focuses on the long-running Mambilla dispute and the conduct of officials involved in attempts to resolve the legal battle.
