The Federal Government says a troubled mining company, Jupiter Ltd, is planning a campaign to discredit Nigeria during President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development explained that the alleged plot is aimed at misleading the international community about Nigeria’s mining sector reforms and the revocation of certain mineral licences.
In a statement from Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the ministry rejected claims that Nigeria seized a British lithium project under armed guard, calling the allegation false and misleading.
The statement clarified that the government has no legal or contractual ties with any company called Jupiter Lithium. Nigerian mining laws prevent foreign firms from holding mineral titles directly.
The controversy traces back to Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to Australian national Steve Davis. The government revoked the company’s mineral titles after it failed to meet required financial obligations. Basin Mining Ltd owed a total of N2.494 billion for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years covering mineral titles 45454ML, 45117ML, 45118ML, 40532ML and 40533ML. The revocation followed proper notices in line with mining regulations.
The ministry also rejected claims that the revoked titles were given to a Chinese company, calling the story fabricated to mislead the public and the international community.
The government said Steve Davis has interests in several mining companies in Nigeria, including Comet Minerals Ltd, Basin Mining Ltd, Range Mining Ltd, Northern Numero Ltd, Sunrise Minerals Ltd and Iron Ore Mining Ltd. Such setups are often used by speculators to acquire mineral titles without carrying out actual mining, contributing to dormant licences and illegal mining activities.
The Federal Government remains committed to ending these practices and continuing reforms to make the mining sector a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth. The ministry urged Nigerians and international stakeholders to ignore attempts by discredited individuals to undermine the country’s reform agenda.
Nigeria has stepped up efforts to develop its solid mineral resources including lithium, gold, iron ore and rare earth elements as part of a plan to reduce dependence on oil.
President Tinubu will visit the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, following an invitation from King Charles III who will host him at Windsor Castle. The visit will focus on strengthening trade, investment, security and migration ties between the two countries.
