The Nigerian government has raised concerns over what it described as a planned smear campaign by a mining company, Jupiter Limited, allegedly aimed at discrediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The administration led by Tinubu accused the company of attempting to damage the government’s image ahead of the president’s planned state visit to the United Kingdom.
The allegation was disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in a statement shared on Sunday by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare on his X account.
Jupiter had earlier alleged that the Nigerian government revoked its lithium mining project and subsequently reassigned it to a Chinese company.
However, the government rejected the claim, explaining that the firm’s mineral licences were withdrawn after it failed to pay statutory annual service fees totaling ₦2.49 billion.
“Jupiter… peddled falsehoods by claiming that its titles were revoked in favour of a Chinese firm. This is a complete fabrication,” the statement said.
The government further stated that the revocation followed established regulations governing the mining industry and was carried out after proper notice had been given to the company.
It also cautioned the public about attempts by certain individuals and groups to undermine ongoing reforms in the sector, emphasizing that the government would not succumb to pressure.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria cannot and will not be intimidated or blackmailed into abandoning reforms by the antics of any individual or company,” the statement added.
