The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to expanding gemstone and jewellery-making centres nationwide as part of its drive to boost entrepreneurship in the mining sector and advance local value addition policies.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made the announcement during a recent visit to the Laurel School of Mining in Abuja, praising the institution for its leading role in training jewellery and gemstone artisans. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of products, noting that they rival the best in the international market.
“From raw materials like gold, sapphire, and other gemstones, this centre is now producing finished jewellery pieces. That’s true value addition,” Alake stated. “This development contributes significantly to our mining industry’s growth, which holds immense potential to create jobs for our youth, accelerate industrialization, and increase national revenue.”
Alake reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening production capabilities at the Laurel School and assured that more centres will be established across Nigeria once the 2025 budget is implemented.
Highlighting the importance of scaling jewellery production beyond meeting local demand, the Minister emphasized the sector’s potential to become a substantial foreign exchange earner through exports.
Tope Adebanjo, MD/CEO of Laurel School of Mining, expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support, noting that ongoing advanced training programs owe their success to this collaboration. He outlined plans to further develop entrepreneurs within Nigeria’s gemstones and jewellery industry and appealed for continued backing to maximize the centre’s equipment and foster wealth creation and employment for young Nigerians.
Minister Alake welcomed these plans and instructed Adebanjo to submit a comprehensive proposal to Permanent Secretary Dr. Mary Ogbe for further action.
The Laurel School of Mining is a specialized institution focused on professional training in mining, exploration, and manufacturing of high-quality gemstones and jewellery, supported by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
