# P&ID case: UK Supreme Court decision on currency of costs order
## Nigeria’s victory in P&ID costs dispute confirmed
The UK Supreme Court has once again sided with Nigeria, rejecting P&ID’s attempt to overturn a prior decision concerning the currency of a costs order. This development marks another significant win for the West African nation in its protracted legal battle against the Irish firm.
### Understanding the P&ID saga
The P&ID case stems from a controversial gas processing contract signed in 2010. P&ID claimed Nigeria breached this contract, leading to a massive arbitration award of over $6 billion. Nigeria, however, alleged the contract was fraudulent and sought to have the award set aside.
#### Key legal battles
Nigeria’s efforts to nullify the award have involved numerous legal challenges, including arguments of corruption and a lack of due process. The recent Supreme Court decision focuses on a specific aspect of the legal proceedings: the currency in which costs awarded to Nigeria should be paid.
## The Supreme Court’s verdict on currency
In its latest ruling, the UK Supreme Court upheld the previous decision regarding the currency of the costs order. This means that the amount awarded to Nigeria for legal expenses will be calculated based on the agreed-upon currency, rather than P&ID’s preferred alternative.
### Implications for Nigeria
This ruling is crucial for Nigeria, as it solidifies its legal victories and prevents further attempts by P&ID to exploit loopholes or re-litigate settled points. The clarity on the currency of costs ensures that Nigeria can recover its expenses as intended by the court.
#### What are set-aside proceedings?
Set-aside proceedings are legal actions taken to challenge and potentially annul an existing court order or arbitral award. In this instance, Nigeria initiated set-aside proceedings to have the P&ID arbitration award invalidated.
## The importance of currency in legal costs
The currency in which legal costs are ordered can have a significant financial impact, especially in high-value international disputes. Fluctuations in exchange rates can substantially alter the actual amount paid. P&ID’s request aimed to leverage these fluctuations to their potential advantage.
### Nigeria’s persistent defense
Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable tenacity in its defense against the P&ID claim. This Supreme Court decision underscores the country’s commitment to fighting against what it views as an unjust and fraudulent claim.
#### Previous legal milestones
This isn’t the first time the UK courts have ruled in Nigeria’s favor. Earlier decisions have already cast serious doubt on the validity of P&ID’s claims and the arbitration process itself.
## Navigating international arbitration costs
International arbitration can involve substantial costs for all parties involved. Ensuring clarity and fairness in how these costs are awarded and paid is paramount to the integrity of the arbitration system.
### The role of the Supreme Court
As the highest court in the UK, the Supreme Court’s decisions set important legal precedents. Its confirmation of the ruling on the currency of costs provides definitive closure on this particular aspect of the P&ID dispute.
#### What happens next?
With this latest rejection, P&ID’s options to further challenge the costs order are significantly limited. Nigeria can now proceed with enforcing the court’s decisions regarding its awarded costs.
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