Abuja – The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has dismissed claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that the Federal Government intends to establish a gold refinery in Lagos, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
The NEF, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, had argued that siting a gold refinery in Lagos would violate the federal character principle.
Responding on Sunday, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Dr. Dele Alake, Mr. Segun Tomori, clarified that no government decision exists regarding the establishment of a gold refinery in Lagos or elsewhere. He emphasized that the refinery in question is a wholly private investment by Kian Smith, a privately owned mining firm, and that the ministry does not dictate where private companies locate their businesses.
“Dr. Dele Alake was very clear in announcing the proposed inauguration of the refinery, stating that other gold refineries are underway across the country, all privately owned by different companies,” Tomori said.
The Lagos refinery, led by Kian Smith’s founder and Managing Director, Ms. Nere Emiko, aims to support Nigeria’s local gold industry through modern, innovative methods. According to Tomori, the project aligns with the Federal Government’s value-addition policy, which seeks to curb raw mineral exports and encourage local processing.
The ministry highlighted several other major private sector projects in the mining sector, including a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, a $400 million rare earth minerals plant also in Nasarawa, and a $200 million ASBA lithium plant in Abuja.
“These projects demonstrate the positive impact of sustained policy reforms by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, creating an enabling environment for private sector participation, attracting foreign investment, and generating thousands of jobs,” Tomori added.
He urged the NEF to support government efforts, noting that private initiatives like the Lagos gold refinery are crucial to building a stronger, self-reliant economy.
“The Ministry will continue to encourage mining companies to establish processing and manufacturing plants across the country,” Tomori said.
Comments