The Nigerian government has announced a major push to transform the nation's solid minerals sector, with a special focus on creating jobs and boosting revenue from gold and gemstones.
Nigeria's Strategic Reforms for Mineral Development
This declaration came from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during a pre-press briefing held in Abuja ahead of the upcoming 4th African Gems and Jewellery Exhibition and Conference and the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (AGJEC/GGCE 2025). The landmark event is scheduled to take place in Lagos.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, the Minister revealed that the conference's theme, "Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa," aligns with a continental drive to overhaul the mineral industry for the benefit of all Africans.
Dr. Alake pointed out a significant challenge: although Africa is endowed with nearly one-third of the world's mineral resources, it captures only a small fraction of the global mineral value. He identified this gap as a tremendous opportunity for growth and shared prosperity across the continent.
Key Initiatives Under the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Minister detailed several critical reforms being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. These strategic initiatives are designed to reposition solid minerals as a central pillar for Nigeria's industrialization.
The key reform areas include:
- Enhancing transparency across the mining sector.
- Accelerating the acquisition of crucial geological data.
- Improving local refining and manufacturing capacities.
- Formalizing artisanal mining operations to protect communities and increase national revenue.
Dr. Alake stressed that gold and gemstones possess vast potential to generate substantial employment and empower women and young people. He explained that the value of a raw mineral increases exponentially when it is polished into a gem or crafted into a piece of jewellery, highlighting the importance of moving up the value chain.
Empowering Women and Strengthening Regional Ties
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to responsible sourcing, certification, and a fundamental shift from exporting raw minerals to producing world-class finished products. Dr. Alake specifically commended Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) for their efforts in advancing inclusivity and pledged continued government support for training, community development, and safer mining practices.
The AGJEC/GGCE 2025 event will feature technical sessions, mentorship programmes, and practical workshops aimed at increasing the active participation of youth and women in the industry. The conference is also expected to strengthen regional integration, helping African nations maximize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In a related development, the President of Women in Mining in Nigeria, Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, announced that Nigerian women are increasingly becoming strong leaders in the mining industry. She celebrated the creation of Nigeria's first national crown made entirely from locally sourced gemstones and precious metals, calling it a powerful symbol of national creativity and pride.
The Minister expressed strong optimism that the upcoming Lagos conference will make a significant contribution to building a world-class minerals sector for Nigeria, urging the media to amplify accurate and inspiring stories of innovation within the mining ecosystem.
