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FG alleges smear plot against Tinubu during UK visit over dispute involving mining firm Jupiter Ltd.
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Government denies claim Nigeria seized a British lithium project, says revoked licences followed legal breaches.
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Authorities insist mining reforms will continue despite alleged campaign to discredit the sector.
The Federal Government has alleged that an embattled mining firm, Jupiter Ltd, is planning a campaign aimed at discrediting Nigeria during the upcoming state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
The allegation was made by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Segun Tomori, on Sunday.
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According to the ministry, the alleged move is intended to undermine ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector and mislead the international community about the revocation of certain mineral licences.
The government also dismissed claims that Nigeria seized a British lithium project under armed guard, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
Tomori stated that the Federal Government has no legal or contractual relationship with any company identified as Jupiter Lithium, noting that Nigerian mining regulations do not permit foreign firms to directly hold mineral titles.
The ministry said the controversy originated from the revocation of mineral licences belonging to Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to an Australian national, Steve Davis.
According to the government, the company lost its mineral titles after failing to meet statutory financial obligations required under Nigeria’s mining laws.
Authorities explained that Basin Mining Ltd failed to pay annual service fees amounting to about N2.494 billion for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
The unpaid obligations covered mineral titles numbered 45454ML, 45117ML, 45118ML, 40532ML and 40533ML, which were later revoked after due notice was issued in accordance with regulatory procedures.
The ministry also rejected allegations that the licences were subsequently reassigned to a Chinese company, describing the claim as fabricated and intended to mislead both the public and international stakeholders.
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Government officials further alleged that Davis maintained interests in several mining companies operating in Nigeria, including Comet Minerals Ltd, Basin Mining Ltd, Range Mining Ltd, Northern Numero Ltd, Sunrise Minerals Ltd and Iron Ore Mining Ltd.
According to the ministry, such arrangements are often used by speculators to obtain mineral licences without carrying out genuine mining operations, contributing to dormant licences and illegal mining activities in the country.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the mining industry as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Tomori said the government would not be intimidated or blackmailed into abandoning reforms designed to strengthen transparency and efficiency in the sector.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to embark on a state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, following an invitation from 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 both countries, particularly in trade, investment, security and migration.