FG Dismisses Allegations Over Revoked Mining Licences

The Federal Government has dismissed plans by an embattled mining firm, Jupiter Ltd, to launch what it described as a smear campaign against Nigeria’s mining sector reforms during the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.

A statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Abuja, says there is no legal or contractual relationship between the Nigerian government and any company known as Jupiter Lithium.

The statement says claims that Nigeria unlawfully seized a British lithium project are false and intended to mislead the international community.

According to the statement, the dispute followed the revocation of mineral titles belonging to Basin Mining Ltd after the company allegedly failed to pay statutory annual service fees of about ₦2.49 billion for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.

It explains that the revocation was carried out in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, after due notice was issued to the company.

The statement also rejects claims that the revoked titles were transferred to a Chinese company, describing the allegation as false.

It further accuses an Australian national linked to the firm of operating several companies to acquire mineral licences without carrying out actual mining activities, a practice it says contributes to speculation and illegal mining.

The statement notes that the current administration is enforcing stricter compliance with mining regulations to promote transparency and attract genuine investors.

It adds that Nigeria remains open to credible investors who are willing to operate within the country’s laws, highlighting incentives such as tax waivers on imported mining equipment and the repatriation of profits.

PR/Georgina Humphrey