Nigeria Targets Responsible Gemstone Sourcing to Boost Global Competitiveness 

By: Julian Osamoto

The Federal Government says responsible sourcing and full certification of Nigeria’s gemstone, jewellery value chains are critical to strengthening the country’s economic diversification agenda.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, stated this in Abuja at a news briefing ahead of the Africa Gem and Jewellery Exhibition scheduled to hold in Lagos.

Dr Alake said Africa must leverage its mineral wealth more strategically to maximise gains from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and take its position in the global minerals market.

According to him, the conference will serve as “a pathway to deepen partnerships that amplify Africa’s voice in the global marketplace.”

 

Dr Alake stressed that Nigeria must prioritise value addition, saying the country cannot continue exporting raw gemstones and expect meaningful economic growth.

“Our goal is to move from raw exportation to refining and processing. That is how we transition into a producer of premium, finished products,” he said.

The Minister also urged the media to support the sector by highlighting the innovation and resilience of local artisans, noting that the event would showcase exceptional talent in gemstone, gold and jewellery production across communities.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Farouk Yabo, represented by the Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade, Dr Esther Udo, reaffirmed government’s support for reforms that will improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness

“We are committed to policies that strengthens the value chain and attract sustainable investment,” she said.

President of Women in Mining Nigeria, Dr Janet Adeyemi, warned that Nigeria continues to lose significant value despite having some of Africa’s richest gemstone and precious metal deposits.

She attributed the losses to “weak value addition, fragmented governance and limited local participation.”

Dr Adeyemi also recounted how Nigeria produced the first Miss Universe crown made entirely from gemstones, describing it as evidence of the country’s potential.

She urged participants to use the conference to build stronger partnerships across the sector.

The five-day event is expected to draw policymakers, investors, women and youth entrepreneurs, as well as artisanal miners from across the continent to shape the future of Africa’s gold and gemstone value chains.