The Federal Government has denied reports suggesting that a gold refinery has been sited in Lagos in breach of the federal character principle. The clarification followed claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), which alleged that the decision disadvantaged other regions of the country. The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development described the reports as misleading and inaccurate.

In a statement, the ministry explained that no gold refinery has been officially designated or approved for Lagos by the Federal Government. It noted that discussions around refining infrastructure in the solid minerals sector are still ongoing and subject to established regulatory, economic, and technical considerations. Officials stressed that any future decisions would follow due process and align with national interest.

The ministry further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and balanced development across all regions. It urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources and avoid speculation capable of causing unnecessary tension, adding that transparency remains a key priority in the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.