From Shakirudeen Bankole/Ibadan
At the Nigeria Gemstones and Jewelries Expo.and.Conference holding at the International Conference Center at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State,.the Federal Governememt has announced plans to further streamline licensing procedures and regulatory frameworks to help investors maximise opportunities in the sector.
The conference, organised by the Gemstones and Jewelries Miners and Marketers Association (GMMA), under the leadership.of the National President, Engr. Adeniran Ajibade, focuses on Financing and Capacity Building To Domesticate Mineral Processing In Nigeria.
The theme of the conference is: “Financing Sustainable Practices in Gemstones Mining and processing, Jewelries production and marketing.’
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, declared the conference opened with a strong call for sustainable practices in the mining and marketing of gemstones.
Alake,who was represented by an Assistant Director in the Ministry, Mr Umuoakpa Etido, stressed that Nigeria’s wealth in gemstones such as tourmaline, sapphire, garnet and topaz, can only translate into real prosperity when mined, processed and marketed responsibly.
According to the Minister, Nigeria is blessed with abundance of gemstones and each with the potential to transform communities, create jobs and generate foreign exchange.
” Let me emphasise that the future of Nigeria’s gemstone industry lies in value addition. Exporting raw stones is no longer sufficient. We must invest in cutting, polishing and jewelry design. We must build brands that tell our stories — stories of heritage, craftsmanship and innovation,” he said.
While reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to create an enabling environment for all the stakeholders to thrive, Alake admonished the mining entrepreneurs to engage in ethical business practices.
“To our entrepreneurs and marketers here today, your role is critical. You are the storytellers of our stones. You connect our local treasures to global markets, and we will support you in building platforms that elevate Nigerian gemstones to the world stage,” he said.
He announced that his ministry is working to streamline licensing processes, strengthen regulatory frameworks and foster partnerships that bring together government, private investors and international development agencies.
“Let us collaborate across sectors. Let us build institutions that support research, training and certification. Let us ensure that our policies reflect the realities of those who work closest to the earth,” he added.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, Alake described sustainable financing as the bridge between potential and prosperity
He explained that it involves investing in technologies that curb environmental degradation, providing artisanal miners with access to credit and training, and building transparent value chains that empower local communities.
According to him, sustainability in the sector will ensure that Nigeria’s jewelry industry is not only beautiful but also ethical.
