The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has uncovered an alleged plot by a foreign mining company to stage a blackmail campaign during the official visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.

The allegation was raised by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which accused a foreign firm, Jupiter Ltd, of planning to sponsor protests and media campaigns aimed at discrediting the Nigerian government during the President’s visit.

According to the ministry, the move is part of an effort to embarrass the government over its enforcement of regulations in the mining sector.

Officials said the dispute is linked to the revocation of mineral titles previously held by Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company reportedly associated with a foreign national.

The government described the allegations being circulated against Nigeria as false and intended to undermine ongoing reforms aimed at sanitising the mining sector and tackling illegal mining activities.

President Tinubu is expected to undertake a state visit to the United Kingdom alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, where they will be hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.