Nigeria accuses Jupiter Limited of plotting a smear campaign against President Tinubu, denying claims about lithium project revocation

The Nigerian government has accused mining firm Jupiter Limited of plotting a smear campaign against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of his state visit to the United Kingdom.

Also read: FG Accuses Jupiter Ltd of Smear Plot During Tinubu UK Visit

The allegation was made by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in a statement released on Sunday by presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare via X.

Jupiter had claimed that its lithium mining project was revoked and reassigned to a Chinese company.

The government dismissed the claim as false, explaining that the company’s mineral titles were revoked after it failed to pay statutory annual service fees totalling N2.49 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 Ministry added that the revocation followed due regulatory procedures and issued notices, in line with mining sector regulations.

It warned the public against attempts by some individuals or companies to undermine reforms in the industry.

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“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 concluded.