The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has dismissed claims that the Federal Government established a gold refinery in Lagos, describing the reports as false and misleading.
The denial follows a statement by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) alleging that the government violated the federal character principle by siting a gold refinery in Lagos. Mr Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, clarified on Sunday that the minister had made no such announcement.
“There was no announcement that the Federal Government owns or established a gold refinery in Lagos or elsewhere. Dr Alake clearly stated that other gold refineries are being developed across the country and are all privately owned,” Tomori said.
He explained that the recently inaugurated refinery is a private initiative by Kian Smith, led by Managing Director Ms Nere Emiko, aimed at advancing the local gold industry through innovative practices. Tomori emphasized that the government does not dictate the location of private company operations, which are guided by each firm’s strategy and market considerations.
The statement highlighted that the refinery aligns with the federal government’s value-addition policy designed to reduce raw mineral exports and promote local processing, creating jobs and attracting foreign investment. Tomori cited other projects, including a $600 million lithium plant in Nasarawa, a $400 million rare earth plant also in Nasarawa, and a $200 million ASBA lithium plant in Abuja.
He added that the Ministry’s reforms over the past two years have fostered an enabling environment for private sector participation in the solid minerals sector. “The Lagos refinery and similar projects demonstrate the effectiveness of these reforms. We encourage more mining companies to establish processing and manufacturing plants nationwide,” Tomori said.
The Ministry urged NEF to support national efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a stronger, self-reliant economy.
