The Federal Government has alleged that an embattled mining company, Jupiter Ltd, is planning what it described as a “campaign of calumny” against Nigeria during the forthcoming state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
The government said the alleged move followed a dispute over revoked mineral licences and was aimed at discrediting ongoing reforms in the country’s mining sector.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development said the company and its associates were preparing to circulate what it described as misleading claims about Nigeria’s mining industry to the international community.
Dispute Over Revoked Licences
Tomori dismissed allegations that Nigeria seized a British lithium project under armed guard, describing the claim as false and misleading.
He said the Federal Government had no legal or contractual relationship with any company known as Jupiter Lithium, noting that Nigeria’s mining laws prohibit foreign firms from directly holding mineral titles.
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According to him, the controversy arose from the revocation of mineral titles belonging to Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to Australian national Steve Davis.
The ministry explained that the licences were withdrawn after the company failed to meet statutory financial obligations under Nigeria’s mining regulations.
Tomori said Basin Mining Ltd lost its mineral titles after failing to pay annual service fees amounting to ₦2.494 billion for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
The unpaid fees covered mineral titles 45454ML, 45117ML, 45118ML, 40532ML and 40533ML, which were revoked after the company was duly notified in accordance with existing regulations.
He also rejected claims that the titles were reassigned to a Chinese firm, describing the allegation as fabricated and intended to mislead the public and the international community.
Government Defends Reforms
The ministry further alleged that Davis had interests in several mining companies operating in Nigeria, including Comet Minerals Ltd, Range Mining Ltd, Northern Numero Ltd, Sunrise Minerals Ltd and Iron Ore Mining Ltd.
According to the government, such arrangements are often used by speculators to acquire mineral titles without undertaking actual mining operations.
Tomori said the practice had contributed to the problem of dormant mining licences and illegal mining activities, as some operators hold vast mineral assets without developing them.
He said the Federal Government remained committed to ending such practices as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the mining sector as a major contributor to the nation’s economy.
“The Federal Government will not be intimidated or blackmailed into reversing reforms designed to promote transparency, accountability and investor confidence in the mining sector,” the statement said.
The ministry also urged Nigerians and the international community to disregard what it described as attempts by “discredited individuals” to undermine the country’s reform agenda.
Nigeria has in recent years intensified efforts to develop its solid mineral resources, including Lithium, gold, iron ore and rare earth elements, as part of a strategy to diversify the economy away from crude oil dependence.
Tinubu’s Historic Visit
President Tinubu is scheduled to undertake a state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, at the invitation of King Charles III, who will host the Nigerian leader at Windsor Castle.
The visit is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and the UK, particularly in areas of trade, investment, security and migration.
It will mark the first state visit by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in 37 years, with previous visits by Nigerian leaders recorded in 1973, 1981 and 1989.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
