The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has rejected claims by the Northern Elders Forum that a Lagos gold refinery violates the federal character principle. The ministry described the allegation as false and misleading, Peak Newspaper reports.
Officials clarified that no federal government-owned gold refinery exists in Lagos. The facility in question is a private-sector project developed by Kian Smith, a wholly private mining company.
Segun Tomori, media aide to the minister, emphasised that the government’s role is to enable investment, not dictate where private companies operate. The Lagos refinery aligns with federal value-addition policies, aiming to reduce raw mineral exports and boost local processing.
The ministry urged Nigerians to distinguish private business decisions from government policy, noting that similar private investments are underway in other states, supporting national economic growth and job creation.
