Sam Jonah takes Nigeria to ICC Arbitration over disputed $500m Abuja Estate

By Prince Antwi August 8, 2026

Ghanaian businessman and mining executive Sir Sam Jonah has initiated international arbitration proceedings against the Nigerian government over a 501-hectare parcel of land in Abuja, deepening a long-running dispute that could have broader consequences for Ghanaian investors operating in Nigeria.

The dispute is being considered under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris following the Nigerian authorities’ decision to terminate a development lease covering the property, which is situated close to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The investment is held through JonahCapital Nigeria Limited, an affiliate of Sir Sam Jonah’s investment group.

The property was allocated to the company in 2007 as part of Nigeria’s Mass Housing Scheme and was later developed into River Park Estate, a large mixed-use community comprising residential buildings, offices, healthcare facilities, commercial outlets and religious facilities.

JonahCapital argues that its development lease remains valid until June 2030. The company, however, is challenging the decision by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to terminate the lease in November 2025.

The matter has subsequently been taken to international arbitration, where JonahCapital is seeking redress over the termination.

According to the company, Nigerian authorities did not fulfil key commitments contained in the original agreement, particularly obligations relating to the provision of essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water.

JonahCapital claims it had to bear the cost of providing and constructing some of the infrastructure itself.

The company has also raised concerns over disputes surrounding building approval charges and claims by third parties asserting ownership or rights over parts of the development.

JonahCapital further alleges that portions of River Park Estate have been fenced off while the arbitration proceedings continue.

The allegations and claims made by both sides remain subject to determination by the arbitral tribunal.

Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that the matter is currently before an arbitration panel and said the government would respect the outcome of the process.

“The other party has gone to arbitration and we say okay, until you finish from arbitration,” Wike stated.

The minister has defended the government’s decision to reclaim the property, insisting that the action was carried out in accordance with the law.

He has also argued that some of the developments at the centre of the dispute were undertaken by Paulo Homes Limited, a company contracted by JonahCapital.

Meanwhile, the land controversy has become linked to a separate criminal case in Nigeria involving Sir Sam Jonah and other individuals.

They are facing a 26-count charge relating to alleged forgery and the unlawful allocation of shares in companies associated with the Abuja development.

Sir Sam Jonah has denied the allegations levelled against him.

The outcome of the arbitration and related legal proceedings could have implications for the ownership, development and future of the River Park Estate, as well as investor confidence among Ghanaian businesses operating in Nigeria.