Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, says Nigeria and the African continent are taking decisive steps to strengthen value addition, regional collaboration, and sustainable growth in the gemstones and gold value chain.
Dr. Alake stated this 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.
He said 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.
The Minister noted that although Africa holds nearly a third of the world’s mineral resources, it earns only a marginal share of global mineral value.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, he described this gap as a major opportunity for growth and collective prosperity.
Dr. Alake highlighted 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.
He emphasised that these efforts are targeted at safeguarding mining communities, increasing revenue, and making solid minerals a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial development.
The Minister stressed that gold and gemstones hold immense potential to create jobs and empower women and youth, as the value of a polished gem or crafted jewellery piece can multiply significantly across the value chain.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to responsible sourcing and certification, and the transition from exporting raw minerals to producing world-class finished products.
Dr. Alake commended Women in Mining in Nigeria for promoting inclusivity, pledging continued support for training, community development, and safer mining practices.
He said AGJEC/GGCE 2025 will feature technical sessions, mentorship programmes, and workshops designed to expand youth and women’s involvement in the industry.
He added that the conference will also advance regional integration and help Africa maximise benefits under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Minister called on the media to promote truthful and inspiring stories that showcase innovation, youth enterprise, and women’s leadership in the mining sector.
He expressed optimism that the Lagos conference will further strengthen Nigeria’s path toward building a world-class minerals sector.
Earlier, the President of Women in Mining in Nigeria, Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, said Nigerian women are emerging as key leaders in the mining industry.
She stressed that natural resources must be managed responsibly for future generations and warned that excluding women who constitute half of the population undermines progress.
Mrs. Adeyemi highlighted the success of the Gold and Gem Conference, which has grown since 2021 into a continental platform involving five African countries.
She also noted the creation of Nigeria’s first national crown crafted with locally sourced gemstones and precious metals, describing it as a symbol of national creativity.
She reiterated that the initiative belongs to the nation, not individuals, and called for the removal of barriers limiting women in the sector.
In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Faruk Yabo 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.
He said the 2025 edition will feature an improved exhibition layout, richer technical sessions, and stronger youth participation.
The Ministry, he added, remains committed to improving product quality, branding, and Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
