The Federal Government has engaged China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), also known as Energy China, to explore options for reviving and delivering the Mambilla Hydropower Project in Taraba State.
Joseph Tegbe, Minister of Power, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja to mark his first 100 days in office.
Tegbe said CEEC had been directed to examine the most practical approach to delivering the 3,050-megawatt project, including the possibility of implementing it in phases.
The development follows Nigeria’s recent victory in an arbitration case involving Sunrise Power over the Mambilla project.
The minister said large hydropower projects such as Mambilla, alongside smaller plants serving agricultural corridors, form part of the government’s medium- and long-term strategy to expand electricity generation.
He also disclosed that Nigeria’s recent engagement with Chinese companies had secured commitments from Sinomach, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC) and Chinese financiers to accelerate priority power projects.
According to Tegbe, CMEC has reaffirmed its role in the 1.9GW Presidential Power Initiative, with the first transmission lines expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027.
He said CNEEC had also advanced financing arrangements for the $116 million Zungeru transmission project.
Tegbe added that Tebian Electric Apparatus Stock (TBEA) had committed to a proposed $500 million industrial park for power-equipment manufacturing, while HengFei Cables had proposed establishing a cable assembly plant and training centre in Nigeria.
The minister said the government’s immediate focus would include strengthening the national grid along the Lagos, Enugu-Port Harcourt and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridors.
Technical audits have also commenced along the Lagos and Abuja corridors to identify weaknesses and guide future investments.
The Mambilla project dates back to a 2003 agreement between Nigeria and Sunrise Power for the development of a 3,050MW hydropower plant in Taraba State under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.
Sunrise later commenced arbitration against Nigeria, seeking $2.35 billion over an alleged breach of contract.
On September 17, the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris ruled in Nigeria’s favour in the dispute, rejecting the $2.35 billion claim.