Mining Dispute Trails Tinubu’s UK Visit
In Nigeria, the Federal Government has accused a mining firm, Jupiter Limited, of planning a smear campaign against President Bola Tinubu during his ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom.
Officials said the alleged move is aimed at undermining efforts to reform and clean up the country’s mining sector.
The claim came from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development through a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Segun Tomori.
The ministry said it became aware of plans by the firm to spread negative publicity abroad in response to actions taken by authorities within the mining industry.
According to the government, the dispute followed the revocation of mineral titles held by Basin Mining Ltd after the company allegedly failed to pay statutory service fees amounting to about ₦2.494 billion for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
Officials said the decision was taken after due notice was issued in line with existing laws governing the sector.
The ministry maintained that the government has no legal or contractual relationship with any company known as Jupiter Lithium and dismissed claims that licences were revoked in favour of another foreign firm.
Authorities said Nigeria remains open to genuine investors while reforms in the mining sector will continue without intimidation or blackmail.
