The Federal Government plans to establish a regulatory framework to protect the gemstone and jewelry industry from sabotage.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of the Solid Minerals Department, announced this at a National Gemstone and Jewelry Show and the graduation ceremony for students trained under the Mineral Sector for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) project in Abuja.
Dr. Alake emphasized that regulation will enable gemstone miners to access loans, expand their businesses, and boost the nation’s economy.
“Many of our gemstones have been smuggled out in the past. We are implementing a regulatory framework to formalize and legitimize the gemstone and jewelry industry, making it bankable. This will ensure that local participants can maximize revenue and enhance Nigeria’s economic prosperity,” Alake stated.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s rich endowment in gemstones across various regions, including the prized Blue Sapphires from Gembu, Taraba State, and the multi-colored Tourmaline, a growing Nigerian brand found in Ekiti, Cross River, and Nasarawa states. He also mentioned the popular Rubellite Tourmaline in Oyo State.
Former MinDiver Project Coordinator Linus Adiye, in his presentation on the sustainable development of the gemstone and jewelry industry in Nigeria, noted that the project has trained over 96 master trainers in jewelry making, with 37 acquiring advanced skills. He called for the establishment of more training centers across the geopolitical zones.
Sallim Salaam, Coordinator of the MinDiver Project, praised the creativity of gemstone miners and the graduating students, and thanked the ministry for its support.
Graduates of the MinDiver training expressed gratitude to the ministry and pledged to mentor other entrepreneurs.
Representatives from Women in Mining and governors from Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Zamfara states also praised the initiative and voiced their support for responsible mining.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, commended the gemstone miners’ ingenuity and creativity, and thanked all stakeholders for their contributions to the mining sector’s development.
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