Amah Alphonsus Amaonye
Abuja — A growing wave of concern has emerged from Northern Nigeria following the Federal Government’s decision to site a gold and lithium refinery in Lagos, despite the bulk of the mineral resources being sourced from northern states. The move has been described by critics as inequitable, economically shortsighted, and a continuation of long-standing structural imbalances in resource management.
In a strongly worded public appeal addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Mineral Resources, northern governors, and members of the National Assembly, Dr. Tukur Umar, National President of the Gamji Global Network Forum, called for an urgent review of the refinery’s location. He argued that the decision effectively sidelines Northern Nigeria from the benefits of value addition while reinforcing its role as a mere supplier of raw materials.
According to the petition, transporting gold and lithium from the North to Lagos for processing denies host regions critical opportunities for industrialisation, job creation, and revenue generation. “This approach mirrors a colonial economic model,” the statement noted, “where raw materials are extracted from one region while another enjoys the full benefits of processing, export, and wealth creation.”
The appeal outlined several key concerns, including the widening of regional inequality, loss of internally generated revenue for northern states, and environmental risks linked to long-distance transportation of raw minerals. It also warned that continued concentration of mineral processing infrastructure in one part of the country could deepen socio-economic imbalances and fuel discontent.
Beyond criticism, the group proposed a set of practical alternatives. These include decentralising mineral processing facilities by siting refineries closer to mining locations in Northern Nigeria, investing in supporting infrastructure, and building local technical capacity through education and skills development. The appeal also called for targeted policy reforms, such as tax incentives and subsidies, to encourage regional industrial growth.
Proponents of the call argue that local processing would not only reduce environmental costs and logistics risks but also stimulate inclusive development, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen national cohesion. “Equitable resource management is not just an economic issue; it is a matter of justice, unity, and sustainable development,” the statement stressed.
The petitioners have urged the Federal Government to respond with a clear action plan and to re-evaluate the refinery siting decision in line with principles of fairness, regional balance, and long-term national interest.
As Nigeria pushes to unlock the full potential of its solid minerals sector, the debate underscores a broader national question: should resource-rich regions remain extraction zones, or become full participants in value creation and industrial growth?
