$6bn Mambila Power Project: Buhari testifies in Paris Arbitration Contract

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari appeared before an arbitration court in Paris on Saturday, marking a rare move by a former Nigerian leader to testify in a case linked to actions taken during his administration.

Buhari’s testimony pertains to a $6 billion contract dispute over the Mambila power generation and distribution project awarded in 2003 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

 

The Presidency described Buhari’s decision to appear in the case as voluntary and motivated by patriotism. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said, “All the eminent Nigerians involved in Nigeria’s defence are doing so willingly and out of sheer conviction.”

Mambila Power Project: A Prolonged Dispute
The arbitration centres on an alleged breach of the contract terms between Nigeria and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company, owned by Leno Adesanya. The Mambila project envisioned as a transformative infrastructure initiative, has been delayed for over 20 years due to legal and financial controversies.

Reports indicate that during Buhari’s tenure, the Federal Government, on the advice of then-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, withheld $200 million in payments tied to the project and formally terminated the agreement in April 2020.

Legal Push by Current: Administration
Sources close to the matter revealed that Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, recently convinced Buhari to participate in the arbitration.
The former president’s testimony is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to defend Nigeria against substantial financial claims.

 

An official familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted, “The Attorney General made it clear to the former president that his presence was essential to Nigeria’s defence.”

Buhari is expected to continue his testimony on Sunday, January 19.

Confidential Proceedings and Claims of Coercion
The Presidency has dismissed claims that Buhari was coerced into appearing. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not forced anyone to testify or refrain from testifying,” Onanuga clarified. “All actions are being taken in the national interest and with the utmost commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty.”

Onanuga also emphasized the confidential nature of the proceedings, criticizing media reports that surfaced about the case. “This is a private proceeding, and its details should remain confidential until the international arbitrators reach a decision.”

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Unprecedented Move by a Nigerian Leader
Buhari’s appearance in the arbitration court is notable, as previous Nigerian presidents have historically delegated such matters to former officials. The rare move underscores the high stakes of the case, with Nigeria facing significant financial implications.

Implications for Nigeria’s Investment Climate
The Mambila project, one of Nigeria’s largest proposed infrastructure initiatives, remains a litmus test for the country’s ability to resolve longstanding contract disputes and foster a more favorable investment climate.

President Tinubu’s administration has expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of all involved in defending Nigeria’s position in the arbitration.

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