Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has informed the federal government of his readiness to testify in any forum regarding the disputed Mambilla power contract. Sunrise Power, engaged in arbitration with Nigeria at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, alleges a breach of contract and is seeking $2.3 billion in compensation over the repudiation of a $6 billion build, operate and transfer (BOT) contract awarded in 2003.
In documents seen by TheCable, it was revealed that Obasanjo, in response to inquiries from the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, denied approving the contract to Sunrise Power. He asserted that at no time did he authorize the award of a contract to Sunrise Power during his administration. The former president clarified that while he granted approval for negotiations, this did not extend to awarding a contract.
Obasanjo emphasized that no minister had the authority to commit Nigeria to a contract beyond N25 million without explicit presidential consent during his tenure. He maintained that former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, did not comply with his directive to present a memo to the council, which would have included a comparison with a coal-fired plant.
The former president expressed his commitment to assisting the government by shedding light on the matter and offered to testify in arbitration or any forum deemed necessary for the national interest.
This development sheds light on the complexities surrounding the Mambilla power contract and adds an influential voice to the ongoing dispute between Nigeria and Sunrise Power.
