News September 18, 2026 What ICC ruling has done to Mambilla power project – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s victory in the arbitration proceedings involving Sunrise Power at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris as a major breakthrough for the long-delayed Mambilla hydropower project.

The President said the ruling had eliminated what he described as the “single biggest legal hurdle” that had stalled the multibillion-dollar project for several years.

The ICC tribunal, on Thursday, dismissed Sunrise Power’s $2.35 billion claim against Nigeria over an alleged breach of contractual obligations relating to the Mambilla hydropower project.

The tribunal also ordered Sunrise Power and its promoter to reimburse Nigeria $11.8 million in legal costs.

Reacting to the judgment, Tinubu said the outcome demonstrated the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the country’s resources and interests from what he described as exploitative claims.

In a statement issued by the President, he said Nigeria would continue to defend its commonwealth against “opportunistic claims”.

“This latest decision affirms the Nigerian State’s determination not to succumb to predatory and exploitative claims by corrupt local and international entities and their enablers and funders,” the statement reads.

Tinubu praised Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, as well as officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice, for their role in the arbitration.

“On behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I strongly commend the tremendous efforts of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi and the entire team at the Federal Ministry of Justice for their efforts in this matter.

“I also commend the FRN defence team, led by Ms Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Mr Tolu Obamuroh, both of Paul Hastings LLP, for their professional and excellent defence of the country.

“I commend the patriotism and support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who testified in the case, which dated back to an illegal 2003 contract to build a 3,050-megawatt hydroelectric plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer model. The Federal Executive Council never authorised the contract.

“I thank the other witnesses in this case, including former Ministers Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and Suleiman Adamu, and the experts, for their active participation in defending Nigeria’s interest in the arbitration.”

The arbitration proceedings began on October 10, 2017, after Sunrise Power sought $2.354 billion from Nigeria over an alleged breach of a 2003 agreement for the construction of the 3,050-megawatt Mambilla hydroelectric plant in Taraba State.

The proposed project was to be executed under a build-operate-transfer arrangement and was valued at about $6 billion.

According to the Presidency, the Federal Executive Council had never authorised the 2003 contract.

Tinubu said the latest ICC decision had now removed the principal legal obstacle that had hindered progress on the Mambilla project, potentially clearing the way for further action on the long-standing development.

News September 18, 2026 FG suspends Niger NSCDC commandant over deaths of suspected miners

The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Aniviye, over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the state.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension on Friday and directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital.

The minister’s directive was disclosed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde.

The suspected illegal miners were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations carried out in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.

“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.

“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” the minister declared.

Tunji-Ojo appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding as the authorities conduct the investigation, which he said would be transparent.

He also expressed condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of those who died.

Reports indicated that at least 33 suspected illegal miners had died while in custody, although the NSCDC has not confirmed a specific death toll.

The development had earlier led the NSCDC to set up an investigative panel to establish what happened to the suspects while in custody.

The corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said in a statement on Thursday that the investigative team was headed by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

According to the NSCDC, the team was expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their treatment during detention, the conditions under which they were held, the medical attention they received and other factors connected to the deaths.

The corps also urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths, stressing that claims linking the incident to a particular disease had yet to be established through medical and laboratory tests.

News September 18, 2026 FG, states, LGs share N2.34tn as revenue falls

The Federal Government, the 36 states and 774 local government councils shared N2.338tn from the Federation Account in September, representing a N669bn decline from the previous month’s distribution.

The allocation, which was based on revenue generated in August 2026, was approved at the monthly meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee held in Abuja.

The amount distributed was 22.2 per cent lower than the N3.007tn shared by the three tiers of government at the August FAAC meeting from revenue generated in July.

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation disclosed the latest allocation in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa.

The statement read, “A total sum of N2.338tn, being August 2026 Federation Account Revenue, has been shared to the Federal Government, States and the Local Government Councils.”

The reduction was largely driven by a substantial fall in statutory revenue during the month under review.

According to the FAAC communiqué, gross statutory revenue declined by N1.508tn, representing a 34.6 per cent drop, from N4.359tn in July to N2.850tn in August.

“Gross statutory revenue of N2.850tn was received for the month of August 2026. This was lower than the sum of N4.359tn received in the preceding month by N1.508tn,” the statement read.

The August decline came after statutory revenue had recorded a strong increase in July, rising by N658.09bn from N3.700tn in June to N4.359tn.

Despite the decline in statutory revenue, collections from Value Added Tax continued to rise, increasing by N40.875bn during the month.

Gross VAT revenue climbed to N834.843bn in August from N793.968bn in July, representing a 5.1 per cent increase.

The statement said, “Gross revenue of N834.843bn was available from the Value Added Tax in August 2026. This was higher than the N793.968bn available in the month of July 2026 by N40.875bn.”

The total gross revenue available for distribution in August stood at N3.685tn. However, N125.142bn was deducted as the cost of collection, while N1.221tn was allocated to transfers, refunds and savings.

Following the deductions, N2.338tn was available for distribution, comprising N1.565tn in distributable statutory revenue and N773.233bn from VAT.

The Federal Government received N804.897bn from the total distributable revenue, while the 36 states received N794.313bn.

The 774 local government councils got N555.142bn, while N184.388bn was distributed to benefiting states as the 13 per cent derivation revenue from mineral resources.

A further breakdown showed that the Federal Government received N727.573bn from the N1.565tn distributable statutory revenue, while the states got N369.035bn and local governments N284.511bn.

The benefiting states also received N184.388bn as derivation revenue.

From the N773.233bn distributable VAT pool, the Federal Government received N77.323bn, states got N425.278bn, while the local government councils received N270.632bn.

The FAAC communiqué also revealed divergent movements in the various revenue sources during August.

Revenue from Petroleum Profit Tax, Hydrocarbon Tax, Value Added Tax, Common External Tariff levies and excise duty recorded increases during the period.

However, revenue from Companies Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duties Tax, petroleum royalties, mineral royalties, gas-flared penalties, import duty, rental gas-flared fees and miscellaneous oil revenue declined.

The latest distribution represents a significant reversal from the record allocation shared in August, which had followed the strongest monthly FAAC revenue performance recorded in 2026 at that point.

News Politics September 18, 2026 2027: Obi-Kwankwaso Movement unveils 59-member campaign council

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has constituted a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The council, unveiled on Thursday, comprises zonal and state coordinators as well as directors overseeing mobilisation, women affairs, strategy, security, legal affairs and other areas of the campaign.

Director-General of the movement, John Ughulu, was appointed Director-General of the campaign, while the National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, is also part of the campaign leadership.

The campaign structure covers the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, with coordinators designated for the 36 states.

Other positions created include directors for grassroots mobilisation, women affairs, contact and engagement, special duties, procurement, information technology, legal affairs, strategy and planning, security and intelligence, and administration.

The development followed the movement’s intensified preparations to mobilise support for the joint presidential ticket of Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 election.

In a congratulatory message to the newly appointed council members, Sani described their selection as a responsibility and charged them with taking the message of the movement’s principals to Nigerians across the country.

She said, “Your selection is not merely an appointment; it is a call to duty, sacrifice, leadership and service to Nigeria. At this critical moment in our nation’s history, the responsibility before the presidential campaign council is enormous.

“You have been entrusted with the task of taking the vision, message and aspirations of our principals directly to the Nigerian people from the cities to the grassroots, from the states to the local governments, and from the wards to every community across the federation.

“Your appointment is an honour, but more importantly, it is a responsibility. The journey has begun. The assignment is clear. The mission is Nigeria.”

Sani said the campaign would focus on a broader national vision rather than individuals seeking personal recognition.

“The OK Movement is not built around individuals seeking personal recognition. It is a movement driven by a larger national vision: to mobilise Nigerians around the possibility of a better, more prosperous, united and functional Nigeria.

“We therefore expect every member of the Presidential Campaign Council to approach this assignment with discipline, loyalty, humility, courage and an unwavering commitment to the collective vision of the movement.

“The road ahead will require hard work. It will require strategic thinking, grassroots mobilisation, effective communication and, above all, the ability to work together as one formidable political family,” she stated.

The National Secretary further said the council’s immediate task was to take the message of its principals to voters across the country.

She said, “Our responsibility is to ensure that the message of our principals reaches every Nigerian and that the voice of the people is heard across the length and breadth of our nation.”

Those appointed as zonal coordinators include Suleiman Abubakar for the North-Central; Hashimu Dungurawa, North-West; Amadu Gwambe, North-East; Dr Adebayo Adefolaseye, South-West; Christopher Ighodaro, South-South; and El-Shaddai Ikeh, South-East.

State coordinators were also appointed for the 36 states and the FCT.

Other members of the council are Rev Mike Agbon, Director, Inter-Ethnic Group in Northern Nigeria; Sabo Gashua, Grassroots Mobilisation; Glory Adayi, Women Affairs; Kabir Yahaya, Contact and Engagement; Abdumumini Tijjani, Mobilisation; Yusuf Mani, Special Duties; Peace Daful, Procurement; Prof Charles Nwekeaku, South Eastern Town Hall; and Sunmisola Adebayo, Information Technology.

Kingdom Okere was appointed Director of Legal Affairs; Abiodun Dabiri, Strategy and Planning; Richard Enemona CSP (retd.), Security and Intelligence; while Aisha Abdulrahaman was named Director of Administration.

The group had last month reiterated its decision to maintain an independent structure rather than merge with another political organisation ahead of the 2027 elections. It also reaffirmed its support for Ughulu as its founder and Director-General.

The latest development comes days after the movement condemned the reported disruption of Obi’s convoy during his visit to Benue State and demanded an impartial investigation into the incident.

The OK Movement said its security personnel deliberately exercised restraint to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

Business News September 18, 2026 LuxeLivingProperty Opens December Bookings for Luxury Stays and Lifestyle Services

LuxeLivingProperty, a luxury property and lifestyle company, has opened reservations for December, offering clients premium accommodation, real estate and lifestyle services across Abuja, Lagos and other cities.

Led by Managing Director Ada Rose Joseph, the company provides a range of services including luxury shortlet apartments, party apartments, property sales and rentals, car rentals, private jet rentals, beach house rentals and concierge services.

Joseph said LuxeLivingProperty was created to make it easier for clients to access accommodation, transportation and other lifestyle services without the stress of coordinating them separately.

“LuxeLivingProperty is more than just a place to stay. We want our clients to enjoy the entire experience, from the moment they make their booking to the time they leave,” Joseph said.

The company’s shortlet apartments cater to individuals, families, business travellers and visitors seeking comfortable accommodation away from home. Its party apartments and beach houses are also available for celebrations, getaways and other special occasions.

Beyond accommodation, LuxeLivingProperty provides car and private jet rental services for clients seeking convenient transportation options for local and interstate trips.

The company also offers real estate services for clients interested in buying, selling or renting property, bringing its accommodation, mobility and property services together under one platform.

Joseph said the company is prepared to receive clients during the December period, with reservations currently open.

Prospective clients are advised that December reservations are subject to a minimum two-week stay.

Clients interested in making reservations or enquiring about LuxeLivingProperty’s services can contact the company on 08108785921 or via its TikTok platform, @Luxelivingproperty_io.

With operations spanning Abuja, Lagos and other cities, LuxeLivingProperty continues to build its offering around property, accommodation, mobility and concierge services for clients seeking convenience, comfort and quality service.

News September 17, 2026 Niger gov cancels APC rally as over 30 die in NSCDC custody

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has cancelled the All Progressives Congress political rally scheduled to hold in Minna on Saturday following the death of more than 30 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The governor also declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the victims and urged residents of the state to remain calm as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Bago announced the cancellation in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday in Minna.

He described the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening, while extending his condolences to the families and communities affected by the deaths.

According to the governor, the decision to suspend the APC rally was informed by the gravity of the incident and was also a mark of respect for the families of the deceased.

He assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would receive appropriate attention, while calling on them to remain calm and praying for the repose of the souls of the victims.

The NSCDC had earlier confirmed that some suspected illegal miners arrested in the state died while in its custody.

In a statement signed by the Niger State Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the corps said the suspects were arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16, 2026, and were found dead the following day.

The command attributed the deaths to a disease outbreak in the cell, but said the bodies had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, in its renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal mining activities, conducted a “burst operation” on 15th and 16th September, 2026, leading to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of exhibits.

“The operation yielded significant results, with scores of suspected illegal miners arrested and various exhibits recovered.”

The NSCDC appealed for calm as investigations into the incident continue, saying security agencies were working with the appropriate authorities to determine the cause of the deaths.

The statement added, “While the Corps, in synergy with sister security agencies, is on top of the situation, the Command appeals to the general public and the families of the deceased to remain calm and desist from any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Niger State Command, remains fully committed to the enforcement of human rights and subscribes to international human rights charters, while remaining steadfast in the enforcement of its core mandates, including the protection of lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure, for the benefit of the Commonwealth.

“May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.”

News September 17, 2026 Nigeria wins $2.35bn Sunrise Power arbitration as tribunal orders refund of legal fees

Nigeria has secured a major victory in its long-running legal dispute with Sunrise Power over the Mambilla Hydropower Project, after an International Chamber of Commerce tribunal in Paris dismissed the company’s $2.35 billion claim against the Federal Government.

The tribunal also ordered Sunrise Power and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, to reimburse Nigeria for 75 per cent of the legal fees and expenses incurred during the arbitration.

The award, issued on Thursday, directed Sunrise and Adesanya to pay Nigeria $11.819 million in legal costs, with $2.5 million to be deducted from funds held in escrow by the ICC and released upon notification of the final award.

The remaining $9.319 million is to be paid by the claimants with interest at an annual rate of 10 per cent, “compounded annually, from the date of the notification of this Final Award until such amount is paid in full”.

In its decision, the three-member tribunal rejected Sunrise Power’s request for a declaration that Nigeria had violated its contractual obligations under a settlement agreement and its addendum.

The tribunal also dismissed the company’s demand for $400 million, comprising a $200 million settlement sum and another $200 million default sum.

It further ruled that Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power, is bound by the arbitration agreement with Nigeria under the settlement agreement and addendum.

The tribunal also affirmed its jurisdiction to hear Nigeria’s counterclaim against Adesanya and his firm.

The arbitration costs, fixed at $1.656 million, will be shared, with Sunrise Power and Adesanya bearing 75 per cent while Nigeria will pay the remaining 25 per cent.

The panel was chaired by Melaine van Leeuwen, with Stavros Brekoulakis and Simon Nesbitt serving as co-arbitrators.

Nigeria was represented by a legal team led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP.

The dispute dates back to October 10, 2017, when Sunrise Power commenced arbitration proceedings against Nigeria before the ICC International Court of Arbitration.

The company sought $2.354 billion over an alleged breach of contract relating to a 2003 agreement for the construction of the 3,050-megawatt Mambilla power plant in Taraba State.

The proposed project was valued at $6 billion and was to be executed under a build, operate and transfer arrangement.

A second arbitration subsequently arose from a 2020 settlement agreement between Sunrise Power and the Nigerian government.

Under that claim, the company sought $400 million, alleging that the Federal Government failed to honour the terms of the settlement agreement intended to resolve the original dispute.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in an interview in 2023, questioned the authority of his then Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, to award the 2003 contract to Sunrise Power.

“When I was president, no minister had the power to approve more than N25 million without express presidential consent. It was impossible for Agunloye to commit my government to a $6 billion project without my permission and I did not give him any permission,” Obasanjo told TheCable.

“If a commission of inquiry is set up today to investigate the matter, I am ready to testify. I do not even need to testify because all the records are there. I never approved it.

“When he presented his memo to the federal executive council (on May 21, 2003), I was surprised because he had previously discussed it with me and I had told him to jettison the idea, that I had other ideas on how the power sector would be restructured and funded.

“I told him as much at the council meeting and directed him to step down the memo. I find it surprising that Agunloye is now claiming he acted on behalf of Nigeria. If I knew he issued such a letter to Sunrise, I would have sacked him as minister during my second term. He would not have spent a day longer in office.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also denied authorising the 2020 settlement agreement with Sunrise Power.

In a letter to Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Buhari said he was aware that some ministers had engaged Sunrise over the project but did not authorise them to conclude a settlement.

“While I understood that my ministers of justice, power and water resources were approached by Sunrise and were engaging with various stakeholders that were involved in the project to resolve the issues blocking the project’s implementation, at no time did I specifically instruct them to enter into and conclude any settlement agreement with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited,” he wrote to Fagbemi.

“Indeed, when the proposed settlement agreement and addendum were presented to me for my consideration and approval on 20th April 2020, I refused to approve the settlement deal because I was convinced that there was no basis for Sunrise’s claim.

“I hope the above clarifications will assist you in your defence of our country from these ‘invisible contractors who all too often quietly take Nigeria for many millions in out-of-court settlements’, as I stated in my recent statement regarding Nigeria’s victory in the P&ID saga.”

(THE CABLE)