In a major legal victory for Nigeria, the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the Federal Government in its £44 million legal costs dispute with Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID).
The ruling marks another significant win for Nigeria in the long-running legal battle over the controversial gas processing contract that was originally awarded to P&ID in 2010. The company had sued Nigeria for alleged breach of contract after the deal collapsed, demanding over $11 billion in damages an amount that could have severely impacted the country’s economy if enforced.
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However, following years of legal proceedings, UK courts have continued to side with Nigeria, finding evidence of corruption, fraud, and irregularities in the original P&ID contract.
In this latest development, the Supreme Court dismissed P&ID’s appeal seeking to recover £44 million in legal costs. The court ruled that Nigeria’s challenge to the arbitration award was legitimate and that the government acted in good faith to defend its national interest.
Nigeria’s legal team hailed the decision as a landmark moment in the global fight against corruption and a strong message that fraudulent business practices will not be tolerated.
Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended the ruling, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s sovereignty and integrity in international contracts. He emphasized that the government will continue to pursue accountability and transparency in all legal and commercial engagements.
The P&ID case, which began over a decade ago, has been described as one of the most complex international arbitration cases involving an African nation. The Supreme Court’s decision not only saves Nigeria from paying the massive claim but also restores confidence in its ongoing legal reforms and anti-corruption drive.