The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it has established a gold refinery in Lagos, describing the allegation as false and misleading. The statement came in response to reports by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), which suggested that the government had sited the refinery in the state.
In a clarification, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, through the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Mr. Segun Tomori, confirmed that the refinery is a private initiative owned by Kian Smith, a privately owned mining company. The government emphasized that it has no ownership or operational control over the facility.
The Ministry further explained that the NEF’s claim stemmed from a misinterpretation of remarks made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who spoke about ongoing sector reforms and private-sector investment in gold processing, rather than any government-owned project.
“The Federal Government does not dictate the locations of private sector investments,” the statement said. “The Lagos refinery is aligned with national value‑addition policies that encourage local mineral processing and private investment in the sector.”
The government reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency and private-sector participation in the mining industry while ensuring adherence to the federal character principle. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.