The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has dismissed claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that the Federal Government plans to establish a gold refinery in Lagos, describing the allegation as deliberate mischief.
In a statement, the ministry clarified that the alleged refinery is entirely a private sector project led by Kian Smith, a 100% privately-owned mining company aiming to develop Nigeria’s local gold industry through innovative practices.
The government emphasized that no public funds are involved and that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has never announced any government ownership or involvement in the Lagos refinery.
The statement further accused NEF of misrepresenting facts by suggesting that the project violates the principle of federal character. According to the ministry, the refinery is a private initiative and not a government project.