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Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Refutes Northern Elders Forum’s Claims on Gold Refinery Location
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has categorically rejected assertions made by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) regarding the establishment of a gold refinery in Lagos, which the forum claimed contravened the federal character principle. The ministry labeled these allegations as inaccurate and misleading.
Clarification on Ownership and Location of Gold Refineries
In an official statement released from Abuja, Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized that Minister Dele Alake never declared that the Federal Government owns or has set up a gold refinery in Lagos or any other Nigerian state. Tomori clarified that the minister’s announcement pertained to the planned inauguration of a refinery, explicitly stating that multiple gold refineries are under development nationwide, all of which are privately owned by various companies.
“The minister was unequivocal in affirming that the refinery in question, along with others in progress across the country, are initiatives driven by private enterprises,” Tomori explained.
Private Sector Leadership in Nigeria’s Gold Industry
The newly commissioned gold refinery is a project spearheaded by Kian Smith, a private mining firm dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s gold sector through innovative approaches. Tomori highlighted that the Federal Government does not dictate the geographic placement of private companies’ operations; such decisions are made based on each company’s strategic and market considerations.
He also commended the founder and managing director of Kian Smith, Nere Emiko, for her visionary leadership and perseverance in bringing this flagship project to fruition after years of dedicated effort.
Alignment with Federal Government’s Value-Addition Policy
This refinery initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s policy aimed at adding value within the solid minerals sector. The policy discourages the export of unprocessed minerals and promotes local processing and manufacturing to stimulate economic growth.
Tomori pointed out that this strategy has catalyzed the establishment of mineral processing plants across Nigeria, attracting significant foreign investment and generating thousands of jobs. Notable examples include the $600 million lithium processing facility and a $400 million rare earth plant, both located in Nasarawa State, as well as the $200 million ASBA lithium plant in Abuja.
Impact of Sector Reforms and Call for Collaborative Support
Over the past two years, reforms implemented by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development have fostered a conducive environment for private sector growth and participation in mining. The Lagos gold refinery and similar projects serve as tangible proof of the positive outcomes of these reforms.
Tomori urged the Northern Elders Forum to support the Federal Government’s efforts to build a resilient and self-sufficient Nigerian economy by encouraging mining companies to establish processing and manufacturing facilities nationwide.
“We call on the Northern Elders Forum to collaborate with the Federal Government in nurturing an economy that genuinely benefits all Nigerians,” Tomori concluded.
