Nigeria Accuses Mining Firm of Smear Campaign Ahead of Tinubu’s UK Visit. Lagos, Nigeria — Nigerian authorities have accused mining firm Jupiter Ltd of orchestrating a smear campaign against the country’s mining sector, coinciding with the impending visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
The allegations arise from a dispute over the revocation of lithium mining licences, cancelled due to unpaid statutory fees of ₦2.
49 billion.
The Nigerian government’s statement, according to regional officials, claims that Jupiter Ltd is spreading false claims to undermine the country’s mining sector. Specifically, the government accuses the firm of falsely alleging that Nigerian authorities seized its project and permitted Chinese operators to take control.
On the other hand, Jupiter Ltd has refuted these claims, asserting that the seizure of their project and the allowance of Chinese operators to assume control are unfair and unjust actions.
According to independent observers, the firm alleges that the project seizure is a tactic to suppress opposition in the mining sector.
The smear campaign allegations come amidst a backdrop of increasing interest in Nigeria’s lithium ore deposits, driven by the global surge in demand for electric-vehicle battery materials.
This heightened interest has also led to a rise in disputes over mining rights and licences. President Tinubu’s upcoming visit to the UK is expected to focus on economic and investment matters, and these allegations could potentially impact Nigeria’s reputation in the international community and its relations with the UK.
Official statements indicate that the government has not yet commented on the specifics of the evidence against Jupiter Ltd.
However, sources close to the matter suggest that the situation remains sensitive and under investigation. Further details are expected to emerge as the situation unfolds.
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Source: Nigeria accuses mining firm of smear campaign ahead of Tinubu’s UK visit amid lithium dispute — [africa.
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*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
