By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Coalition of Funtua Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) has expressed support for the Northern Elders Forum in opposing the proposed siting of the National Gold Refinery in Lagos, citing concerns over equity, federal balance, and national interest.

In a statement issued in Kaduna, the coalition’s Chairman, Alhaji Rabi’u Dankoli, and Secretary-General, Prof. Muhammad Garba, argued that the location of the refinery raises constitutional, economic, and social questions.

The group noted that Nigeria’s proven gold deposits are largely concentrated in Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and parts of the North-Central region, making Northern locations more logical for refining activities. They stressed that value addition is generally more efficient when conducted close to extraction points, warning that transporting raw gold to Lagos could increase logistical, security, and environmental risks, including theft, smuggling, and illicit trade.

The coalition further argued that siting the refinery far from mining communities denies host areas opportunities for industrial development, employment, infrastructure, and technological transfer. Referencing the 1999 Constitution, they highlighted provisions on fairness, inclusiveness, and equitable distribution of resources as guiding principles for such strategic projects.

While acknowledging that Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial hub, the group questioned whether every national project should automatically be located there, emphasizing that a balanced approach would allow all regions to benefit meaningfully from their natural resources.

The coalition also linked insecurity in Northern Nigeria, including banditry, youth unemployment, and displacement, to unregulated mining activities. They argued that locating refineries closer to mining areas could formalize the sector, create lawful economic opportunities, and reduce criminal networks.

Concluding their statement, the group urged the Federal Government to pause and reassess the refinery project, ensuring decisions are guided by proximity to raw materials, efficiency, equity, and national cohesion. “History will judge decisions that ignore lawful grievances,” the statement warned, adding that Nigeria “can and must do better.”