Reasons behind the exclusion of Mambilla Power Project from 2024 budget revealed by Minister of Power

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, shed light on the absence of any allocation for the Mambilla Power project in the 2024 budget proposal, emphasizing the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the project as the key factor.

Adelabu shared this information during a session with a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, on Monday.

Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited initiated legal action against the Federal Government in 2017, alleging a breach of contract related to the 2003 agreement for the construction of the 3,050MW Mambilla plant in Taraba State. The Federal Government countered, asserting irregularities in the contract award process.

Adelabu explained to the legislators that due to the unresolved international arbitration involving the Mambilla project, deliberate measures were taken to exclude any provision for it in the 2024 budget.

He further assured that the Zungeru plant is nearing completion, with operations set to commence in December. The hydropower plant, at 99.8% readiness, awaits full operation pending the settlement of concessionary fees.

Adelabu emphasized, “For Mambilla, there is no provision for it in 2024. It isn’t a mistake. It is deliberate. It is under international arbitration. Until it is resolved, we can’t do anything about it.”