The Federal Government has accused an embattled mining firm, Jupiter Ltd, of planning a campaign to discredit Nigeria’s mining reforms during the ongoing state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development said it had received intelligence indicating that the company and its associates were preparing what it described as a “campaign of calumny” against the government over the revocation of certain mineral licences.
The ministry, through the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, said the allegations being circulated by the firm were false and intended to mislead the international community.
Dispute Over Revoked Mining Licences
According to the ministry, the dispute stems from the revocation of mineral titles previously held by a Nigerian company, Basin Mining Ltd, which it said was linked to Australian national Steve Davis.
The government explained that the licences were withdrawn after the company failed to meet its statutory obligations, including the payment of annual service fees.
The ministry said the outstanding fees totalled ₦2.494 billion, covering mineral titles 45454ML, 45117ML, 45118ML, 40532ML and 40533ML for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
It stated that the revocation followed due notice in accordance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (2007) and applicable regulatory procedures.
Government Denies Links to Jupiter Lithium
The ministry also dismissed claims by Jupiter Ltd that the government had seized a “British lithium project” and transferred the licences to a Chinese company.
Officials described the allegation as “a complete fabrication,” insisting that the government has no legal or contractual relationship with any entity known as Jupiter Lithium.
The ministry further noted that Nigerian law prohibits the granting of mining licences directly to foreign companies.
Allegations of Speculative Mining Activities
The ministry accused Davis of operating through multiple companies to acquire mineral titles without carrying out actual mining activities.
According to the statement, Davis is linked to several firms, including:
– Comet Minerals Ltd
– Basin Mining Ltd
– Range Mining Ltd
– Northern Numero Ltd
– Sunrise Minerals Ltd
– Iron Ore Mining Ltd
The government said such practices contribute to the problem of speculative licence acquisition in the mining sector and discourage genuine investors with the capacity to develop mineral resources.
FG Defends Mining Sector Reforms
The ministry said the current administration is committed to enforcing mining regulations and eliminating illegal and speculative activities that have historically undermined the sector.
It emphasised that reforms introduced under the Tinubu administration are aimed at restoring transparency and improving investor confidence in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
“The Federal Government cannot and will not be intimidated or blackmailed into abandoning reforms by the antics of any individual or company,” the statement said.
Nigeria Open to Responsible Investors
The ministry reaffirmed that Nigeria remains open to investors who comply with the country’s laws and regulatory framework.
It highlighted incentives introduced to encourage responsible investment, including:
– tax waivers on imported mining equipment
– full repatriation of profits
– other measures designed to improve the ease of doing business in the mining sector.
The government also urged Nigerians and members of the international community to disregard what it described as attempts by “discredited individuals” to undermine the ongoing reforms in the mining industry.
