Witness Tells Court How ₦11bn Was Added to Mambilla Power Project Cost
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has heard testimony alleging that an additional ₦11 billion was approved for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project during the final days of a former Nigerian administration.
An Assistant Commissioner of Police, who appeared as a prosecution witness, told the court that the project’s initial cost of ₦6 billion was increased following a directive allegedly issued by the former president through the then Minister of Power and Steel in 2003. The instruction, according to the witness, was given during a private meeting held late at night, shortly before it was later presented at a Federal Executive Council meeting.
The witness explained that investigations revealed the adjustment was aimed at fast-tracking the long-delayed power project, which had remained at the feasibility stage for over two decades before reaching the contract award phase. He added that several companies had indicated interest in executing the project before a final decision was taken.
Further testimony revealed that the Federal Executive Council initially approved government equity participation of up to 25 percent. However, subsequent discussions explored reducing the government’s stake to attract more private investment. A letter of award presented in court indicated that government equity could range from zero to a maximum of 10 percent, though details of the final arrangement were not disclosed.
The presiding judge adjourned the matter to a later date to allow for the continuation of cross-examination.
