The Nigerian government has rejected claims it seized a British-linked lithium project and transferred it to Chinese operators, accusing a mining firm of spreading false allegations amid a dispute over revoked mineral licences ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s UK visit.
The Federal Government has dismissed allegations that it seized a British-developed lithium project and handed it to Chinese operators, describing the claim as false and part of a smear campaign ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development accused mining firm Jupiter Ltd of attempting to discredit Nigeria amid a dispute over revoked mineral licences.
In a statement issued by Segun Tomori, media aide to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the ministry said the claim followed a publication titled “Nigeria Seizes British Lithium Project Under Armed Guard,” which it described as misleading. It said the government has no legal or contractual relationship with Jupiter Lithium and rejected the allegation as “baseless and unfounded.”
The ministry said the dispute stemmed from the revocation of mineral titles held by Basin Mining Ltd over unpaid statutory fees amounting to ₦2.494 billion. It also denied claims that the licences were reassigned to Chinese companies, calling the allegation “a complete fabrication,” while insisting reforms in the mining sector would continue despite pressure from affected firms.
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