The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has refuted allegations by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that the Federal Government breached the federal character principle by establishing a gold refinery in Lagos.
The clarification came in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, issued by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.
According to the statement, the NEF misinterpreted remarks made by the Minister concerning the upcoming inauguration of a gold refinery and ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector. The ministry emphasized that the government does not own or operate any gold refinery in Lagos—or anywhere else in Nigeria.
“There was no suggestion from the Minister that the Federal Government owns or established a gold refinery in Lagos or any other location,” Tomori said. “Dr. Alake made it clear that other gold refineries are under development across the country and are entirely privately owned by different companies.”
Tomori further explained that the refinery mentioned by the NEF is a private venture led by Kian Smith, a fully privately-owned mining company, aimed at supporting the growth of Nigeria’s local gold industry.
He stressed that the government does not dictate where private companies establish their operations, as these decisions are made based on business strategy and operational needs.
The ministry called on the public to differentiate between government projects and private sector investments, while reaffirming its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for solid minerals development nationwide.
Tomori also commended the resilience and leadership of the refinery’s founder and Managing Director, Ms. Nere Emiko, for delivering a major project after years of dedication. He added that the refinery exemplifies the sector’s response to the value-addition policy, which seeks to reduce raw mineral exports and encourage local processing and manufacturing.
