FG Alleges Plot to Embarrass Tinubu Ahead of UK State Visit

The Federal Government has accused mining company Jupiter Ltd of planning a campaign to embarrass President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom.

According to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Jupiter Ltd has been circulating false claims that Nigeria seized a British lithium project using armed security operatives allegations the government describes as misleading and baseless.

The ministry clarified that Nigeria has no legal or contractual ties with any entity named Jupiter Lithium. It emphasized that Nigerian law does not allow foreign companies to hold mineral titles directly.

Officials said the dispute arose after Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to Australian national Steve Davis, had its mineral titles revoked for failing to pay ₦2.494 billion in fees for 2024 and 2025. The revoked licences include 45454ML, 45117ML, 45118ML, 40532ML, and 40533ML.

The ministry also rejected claims that the licences were reassigned to a Chinese company, calling them fabrications designed to mislead both Nigerians and the international community.

“This government will not be intimidated or blackmailed into abandoning reforms by the antics of any individual or company,” said Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister.

President Tinubu is scheduled to visit the United Kingdom from March 18–19, responding to an invitation from King Charles III. The trip will focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, including trade, investment, security, and migration cooperation.