Nigeria is intensifying efforts to drive value addition, regional collaboration, and sustainable growth across Africa’s gold and gemstone value chain. This commitment was reaffirmed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Dr Dele Alake, during a pre-event briefing in Abuja ahead of the 4th African Gems and Jewellery Exhibition & Conference and the Gold & Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (AGJEC/GGCE 2025), scheduled to take place in Lagos.

Speaking through the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, the minister underscored Africa’s shared vision to transform its mineral sector. Despite being home to nearly one-third of the world’s mineral resources, the continent continues to capture only a small fraction of global mineral value - a gap that presents a significant opportunity for economic growth and industrial advancement.

Dr Alake highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening the solid minerals sector through enhanced transparency, expanded geological data, increased local refining and manufacturing capacity, and the formalisation of artisanal mining. These initiatives are designed to safeguard mining communities, accelerate industrialisation, and position solid minerals as a key driver of national development.

The minister also noted the substantial job creation potential within the gemstones and jewellery segment, where polished stones and finished products command exponentially higher market value compared to raw exports. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible sourcing, certification standards, and the transition toward producing globally competitive finished goods.

Recognising the vital contributions of women in Nigeria’s mining industry, Alake pledged continued support for professional development, community empowerment programmes, and improved safety practices across the sector.

AGJEC/GGCE 2025, themed “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa,” aims to convene industry leaders, governments, and stakeholders to advance a more integrated and value-driven mineral ecosystem for the continent.