Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has reiterated Nigeria and the African continent move to take decisive steps to strengthen value addition, regional collaboration, and sustainable growth in the gemstones and gold value chain.
This was the statement of Dr. at a pre-event news conference in Abuja ahead of the 4th African Gems and Jewellery Exhibition & Conference and the Gold & Gemstone Conference and Exhibition, AGJEC/GGCE 2025, scheduled to hold in Lagos.
According to Alake, the 2025 theme, “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa,” reflects a shared ambition to transform the sector for the benefit of all Africans.
He further stated that although Africa holds nearly a third of the world’s mineral resources, it earns only a marginal share of global mineral value.
Alake also described this gap as a major opportunity for growth and collective prosperity.
Dr. Alake reels out ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including enhanced transparency, accelerated geological data gathering, improved local refining and manufacturing, and the formalisation of artisanal mining.
According to Alake, these efforts are targeted at safeguarding mining communities, increasing revenue, and making solid minerals a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial development.
The Minister further stated that gold and gemstones hold immense potential to create jobs and empower women and youths, as the value of a polished gem or crafted jewellery piece can multiply significantly across the value chain.
The Minister stressed the Ministry’s commitment to responsible sourcing and certification and the transition from exporting raw minerals to producing world-class finished products.
He lauded Women in Mining in Nigeria for promoting inclusivity, pledging continued support for training, community development, and safer mining practices.
According to Alake, the AGJEC/GGCE 2025 will feature technical sessions, mentorship programmes, and workshops designed to expand youth and women’s involvement in the industry.
He further stated that the conference will also advance regional integration and help Africa maximise benefits under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Minister appealed to the media to promote truthful and inspiring stories that showcase innovation, youth enterprise, and women’s leadership in the mining sector.
The Minister also stated that he is optimistic that the Lagos conference will further strengthen Nigeria’s path toward building a world-class minerals sector.
The President of Women in Mining in Nigeria, Mrs. Janet Adeyemi noted that Nigerian women are emerging as key leaders in the mining industry.
According to Adeyemi, natural resources must be managed responsibly for future generations and warned that excluding women who constitute half of the population undermines progress.
Mrs. Adeyemi was optimistic that the
the Gold and Gem Conference will be successful, which has grown since 2021 into a continental platform involving five African countries.
Adeyemi was of the view that the creation of Nigeria’s first national crown crafted with locally sourced gemstones and precious metals is a symbol of national creativity.
She restated that the initiative belongs to the nation, not individuals, and called for the removal of barriers limiting women in the sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Faruk Yabo, who is represented by the Director of Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade, Dr. Esther Udo said the event will showcase Africa’s creative, cultural, and commercial strengths within the gemstone and jewellery value chain.
She said the 2025 edition will feature an improved exhibition layout, richer technical sessions, and stronger youth participation.
The Ministry, she added, remains committed to improving product quality, branding, and Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
END
