Mambilla hydropower: Tinubu Urged to Resolve 14-Year FG/Sunrise Dispute

By Musa Peace Affos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received advice to resolve the 14-year-old conflict between the federal government and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company as part of his efforts to improve electricity supply across Nigeria.

In April 2003, the federal government awarded a contract to Sunrise Power Transmission Company and North China Power Group to build a 3,960 MW Hydro-Electric Power Plant in Mambilla, Taraba State, on a 30 – 490 years build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.

However, in 2007, a significant part of the contract was given to a foreign consortium without following due process. Sunrise Power took legal action against the Federal Government, claiming damages of US$960 million.

In 2017, the Ministry of Power signed a new contract with Sinohydro Corporation of China and CGCOC, excluding Sunrise Power. This led to further lawsuits.

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Legal experts like Femi Falana, Afe Babalola, and Wole Olanipekun have urged the government to settle the dispute to kick-start the project.

In a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, Chief Olanipekun called for a thorough investigation and amicable settlement of the matter.

The legal luminaries believe it's unlikely for the government to win against Sunrise based on evidence submitted to the arbitration court in Paris.

President Xi Jinping of China had urged former President Muhammadu Buhari to settle the disputes, but efforts failed due to bureaucratic issues.

Although a settlement agreement was signed by the federal government, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tinubu is advised to prioritize resolving the dispute to ensure the Mambilla project moves forward and addresses the country's power problems.