FG Denies Dispute With Lagos Gold Refinery
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has denied claims that the Federal Government breached the federal character principle by locating a gold refinery in Lagos.
The clarification came after the Northern Elders Forum suggested that the project represented a government-owned initiative in the city.
Officials explained that the government neither owns nor established any gold refinery in Lagos or elsewhere.
The ministry emphasised that decisions on where private companies locate their operations are made independently and are based on commercial and operational needs, not government directives. It also clarified that the minister’s comments on the refinery and sector reforms were misinterpreted.
The government said the refinery aligns with national efforts to encourage value addition in the solid minerals sector, aiming to reduce raw mineral exports while promoting local processing.
Authorities called on the public to differentiate between government initiatives and private sector projects, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to creating a supportive environment for solid minerals across the country.
