In a major legal victory, Nigeria has successfully defended itself against a $6.2 million claim by a European technology contractor, avoiding billions in potential payouts.
Nigeria secured the decisive win after an arbitration tribunal in Abuja dismissed all claims filed by European Dynamics UK Ltd over a disputed national e-Procurement project handled by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The contractor had demanded about $6.2 million—covering alleged project milestones, damages, and settlement claims—but the Sole Arbitrator, Mrs Funmi Roberts, ruled entirely in Nigeria’s favour. The judgment is final and cannot be appealed, effectively shielding the country from paying roughly ₦9.3 billion.
At the heart of the dispute was the electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system, a World Bank-supported project aimed at boosting transparency and efficiency in federal procurement. However, tests conducted by the BPP revealed serious technical flaws and performance gaps in the software delivered by the contractor.
Nigeria argued that payment could only be made after the system passed proper performance validation, and the tribunal agreed, ruling that the contractor was responsible for fixing the deficiencies at no extra cost.
BPP Director-General, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, described the outcome as historic, noting that the same contractor had previously defeated several African countries in similar disputes. He said Nigeria stood firm and trusted its legal team, becoming the first to successfully challenge the firm.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, praised the legal team and the bureau for protecting public funds, saying the victory sends a strong message that Nigeria will defend its resources and demand accountability in international contracts.
The legal team, led by Nigerian law firm Johnson & Wilner LLP, was also commended for its expertise in securing the landmark ruling.
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