Federal Government Alleges Plot to Embarrass Tinubu During UK State Visit
In a dramatic development, the Federal Government has alleged a plot to embarrass President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development claims that an embattled mining company, Jupiter Ltd, is orchestrating a "campaign of calumny" aimed at discrediting Nigeria and its ongoing mining sector reforms.
Government Denies False Seizure Claims
Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, issued a statement on Sunday, March 15, 2026, dismissing allegations that Nigeria seized a British lithium project under armed guard. Tomori described these claims as false and misleading, emphasizing that the Federal Government has no legal or contractual relationship with any company known as Jupiter Lithium.
He clarified that Nigerian mining laws prohibit foreign companies from directly holding mineral titles, reinforcing the government's stance against the alleged smear campaign. According to Tomori, the controversy stems from the revocation of mineral titles belonging to Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to an Australian national, Steve Davis. This action was taken due to the company's failure to meet statutory financial obligations under Nigeria's mining regulations.
Background on Tinubu's Historic UK Visit
President Tinubu is set to make Nigeria's first state visit to the UK in 37 years this March, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosting him at Windsor Castle. This visit highlights strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, as UK-Nigeria trade has reached £8 billion. In preparation, the United Kingdom is implementing extensive security measures, including airspace restrictions over Windsor, armed police units, search teams, CCTV surveillance, and barriers.
Road closures, parking restrictions, and public alerts are also part of the security arrangements ahead of the March 18 reception. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has warned that Jupiter Ltd's alleged plans could undermine these significant bilateral efforts and tarnish Nigeria's international reputation during a critical diplomatic moment.
Ongoing Mining Reforms and Sector Challenges
The allegations come amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria's mining sector, which the government is keen to protect from misinformation. Earlier in the week, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kehinde Bamigbetan, responded to what he described as a "tissue of falsehoods" sponsored by Jupiter Ltd in a publication titled 'Nigeria Seizes British Lithium Project Under Armed Guard.'
This incident underscores the challenges faced by the Tinubu administration in balancing economic development with security concerns, as illegal mining activities have raised alarms in regions like Zamfara and Kebbi. The government has previously rejected calls for a mining ban, instead opting for measures like deploying mining marshals and setting deadlines for community development agreements.
As President Tinubu prepares for his historic UK visit, the Federal Government remains vigilant against attempts to disrupt diplomatic relations and smear Nigeria's image on the global stage.
