The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has rejected assertions by the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, alleging that the Federal Government intends to set up a gold refinery in Lagos, insisting that the claim is inaccurate and misleading.
The NEF, in an earlier statement issued by its spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, had argued that locating a gold refinery in Lagos would breach the federal character principle.
But in a reaction released on Sunday, the 18th of January, 2026, in Abuja, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, Mr Segun Tomori, dismissed the allegation, clarifying that no such plan had been announced by the Federal Government.
Tomori explained that the minister never claimed that the Federal Government owned, planned, or was in the process of establishing a gold refinery in Lagos or any other part of the country.
He stressed that the refinery being referenced is entirely a private-sector project promoted by Kian Smith, noting that the ministry lacks the mandate to decide where a private investor should situate its business.
“Dr Dele Alake was very clear, concise and emphatic in the announcement of the proposed inauguration of the refinery, that other gold refineries are in the works across the country and all privately owned by different companies,” Tomori said.
According to him, the Lagos-based refinery is a Kian Smith initiative, fully funded and owned by the company, and is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s indigenous gold industry through advanced and innovative practices.
Tomori added that the Federal Government does not impose locations on private enterprises, as investment decisions are guided by operational needs and market dynamics.
He further commended the perseverance and leadership of the firm’s founder and Managing Director, Ms Nere Emiko, noting that the project was successfully delivered after years of commitment and hard work.
He explained that the refinery fits into the Federal Government’s value-addition drive within the solid minerals sector, a policy designed to discourage the export of raw minerals while promoting domestic processing and manufacturing.
Tomori noted that the initiative had already encouraged the development of several mineral processing facilities across the country, attracting substantial foreign investments and generating thousands of jobs.
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He cited examples including a $600 million lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State, a $400 million rare earth minerals plant also located in Nasarawa, and the $200 million ASBA lithium project in Abuja.
He added that consistent reforms introduced by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the past two years had strengthened investor confidence and expanded private sector involvement in mining.
According to him, ventures such as the Lagos gold refinery reflect the success of these reforms.
“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will continue to encourage mining companies to establish processing and manufacturing plants across the country.
“We urge NEF to turn a new leaf and join the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a stronger, self-reliant economy that serves the interests of Nigerians,” Tomori said.