The Federal Government is taking bold steps to support entrepreneurship and boost local value creation in Nigeria’s mining sector by establishing more gemstone and jewelry-making centres nationwide.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during a recent tour of the Laurel School of Mining in Abuja, a pioneering institution in the jewelry and gemstone craftsmanship industry.
A Strategic Shift from Raw Materials to Finished Products
Minister Alake praised the Laurel School’s training programs and the quality of jewelry being produced, stating that the finished products made from locally sourced gold, sapphire, and gemstones were on par with international standards.
“This is value addition. We are no longer exporting raw materials alone—we are now creating refined, market-ready products. This development will not only drive industrial growth but also provide employment opportunities and boost revenue generation,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that the jewelry-making industry holds enormous potential to stimulate Nigeria’s economic diversification, especially as it aligns with the Federal Government’s drive for youth empowerment and local content development.
More Centres Coming in 2025
According to Alake, the government plans to establish additional training and production hubs across Nigeria once the 2025 budget implementation begins. These centres will serve as skill incubation hubs for artisans, helping transform raw mineral resources into valuable exports.
“We aim to increase jewelry production not just for domestic consumption, but also for export, turning this into a major foreign exchange earner for the country,” Alake added.
Laurel School of Mining: A Model for Industry Growth
The Laurel School of Mining, which focuses on professional training in gemstone mining, exploration, and jewelry design, was applauded for leading the charge in local value addition.
Its MD/CEO, Tope Adebanjo, expressed appreciation to the Ministry for its ongoing support, stating that the current Batch 4 Advanced Master Class would not have been possible without government assistance.
He outlined plans to expand entrepreneurship in the gemstone and jewelry industry and requested continued support for the centre’s equipment usage and capacity development.
Next Steps
The Minister encouraged Adebanjo to submit a detailed proposal to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, for review and further action.
This initiative is part of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development’s broader vision to make Nigeria a global player in the gem and jewelry industry, while also fostering wealth creation and youth employment across the nation.
With this renewed commitment, the future of Nigeria’s mining and gemstone sector looks brighter than ever.
