The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has denied allegations by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that the government sited a gold refinery in Lagos, violating the federal character principle. The ministry clarified that the refinery is a private initiative by Kian Smith, a mining company, aimed at boosting local gold processing [1][2].
Special Assistant to the Minister, Segun Tomori, stated that the government doesn’t dictate where private companies operate, and the refinery’s location is the company’s decision. The project is part of the government’s value-addition policy, promoting local processing and manufacturing [1][2].
The ministry highlighted other investments in the sector, including lithium and rare earth plants in Nasarawa State and Abuja. Tomori urged NEF to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to build a stronger economy.
