Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project

In May 2026, a Federal High Court convicted former Power Minister Saleh Mamman of defrauding ₦33.8 billion from the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State. The court sentenced Mamman to 75 years imprisonment for his role in the massive corruption scandal that had plagued the 700MW power project. The conviction marked one of the largest corruption cases in Nigeria's power sector, involving funds meant to boost the country's electricity generation capacity.

The Zungeru project was designed as a major component of Nigeria's efforts to address chronic power shortages that had hindered economic development for decades. Located on the Kaduna River in Niger State, the hydroelectric facility was expected to significantly increase Nigeria's power generation capacity and provide electricity to millions of Nigerians. However, investigations revealed systematic diversion of project funds, leading to delays and cost overruns that undermined the project's original timeline and budget.