Ministry of Solid Minerals Denies Ownership of Lagos Gold Refinery
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has issued a formal rebuttal to claims that the Federal Government sited a gold refinery in Lagos. The clarification, delivered via a statement from the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Segun Tomori, addresses allegations made by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) regarding a violation of the federal character principle. The Ministry asserts that the NEF’s claims fundamentally misrepresent public comments made by the Minister, Dr. Dele Alake, concerning sector reforms and private sector projects.
According to the Ministry’s statement, Dr. Alake at no point announced that the Federal Government owned or established a gold refinery in Lagos. The Minister was explicitly clear that the inaugurated refinery, along with others in development across the country, is privately owned. The facility in question is an initiative of Kian Smith, a fully private mining company, spearheaded by its Managing Director, Ms. Nere Emiko. The government commended the company’s perseverance and enterprise in delivering this flagship project, which aligns with national policy to add value to raw minerals domestically rather than exporting them.
The Ministry emphasized that the Federal Government does not dictate the operational locations of private companies, as each firm determines its own strategy for profitability. This distinction between government policy and private investment is central to the current reforms in the solid minerals sector. By correcting this misinformation, the Ministry aims to maintain public understanding that sector growth is being driven by strategic private investment, not centralized government control. This approach is seen as crucial for sustainable development, much like initiatives in other sectors such as the Nigerian startup ecosystem or when the stock market rebounds on positive sentiment.
The broader context includes the government’s announcement of progress on three additional gold refineries and a major lithium processing plant. This focus on value addition is a key pillar of the administration’s economic strategy, aiming to create jobs and retain wealth within the country. As policy reforms continue to unfold, their success will depend on consistent communication and private sector confidence, factors that remain pivotal for economic stability and growth, just as the IMF backs Nigeria’s ongoing reform efforts. The ministry’s swift clarification underscores its commitment to transparent governance, an important consideration for stakeholders ahead of future national discussions.
