By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria has renewed efforts to position itself as a globally competitive destination for gemstones and jewellery, following the successful conclusion of the 4th Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (NGJCE 2026) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The three-day conference, organized by the Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN) at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, brought together stakeholders across the mining and jewellery value chain to explore strategies for increasing the value and global visibility of Nigerian gemstones.
Themed, “Branding and Promotion of Nigeria’s Amazing Gemstones and Jewelry for Global Visibility and Maximum Value,” the conference focused on branding, investment, value addition, responsible mining, technology adoption, market expansion, transparency and improved security.
In his welcome address, GMMAN President, Engr. Adeniran Ajibade, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to making Nigeria a preferred global destination for gemstones and jewellery through stronger partnerships, skills development, local value addition, responsible mining and increased participation in international markets.
He described the annual conference as an important platform for policy dialogue, investment promotion, business networking and industry development.
The Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi, represented by the Director of Minerals and Project Development, Dr. Martina Ananaba, pledged the agency’s support for initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable growth and investment in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Similarly, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), represented by its South-West Regional Coordinator, Arc. Benedict Itegbe, stressed the need for export readiness, product standardisation, value addition and strategic branding to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the international gemstone market.
For his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by the Deputy Director, Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade Department, Dr. Kalu Kalu, formally declared the conference open and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies designed to attract investment, strengthen regulation and promote sustainable mining development.
The Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, represented by the Director of Concessions, Alhaji Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, also assured participants of the agency’s commitment to ensuring that mining activities are carried out legally, transparently and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Deacon Oladejo Owolabi highlighted the economic potential of the proposed Ibadan International Jewellery and Gem Centre, describing it as a landmark project capable of attracting investment, boosting tourism and driving regional economic development.
Experts at the conference called for stronger branding, improved certification, digital marketing, ethical sourcing, traceability and adherence to international quality standards to enhance the visibility and commercial value of Nigerian gemstones.
Participants also emphasized the importance of transparency and integrity across the gemstone value chain, noting that consumer confidence, responsible sourcing and compliance with global standards are essential for Nigeria to compete effectively in international markets.
Financing opportunities in the sector also featured prominently, with Providus Unity Bank, represented by Mr. John Ikhena on behalf of the Group Head, Large Corporate and Structured Finance, Dr. Abiodun Ariyo, encouraging gemstone operators to formalise their businesses, strengthen corporate governance and develop bankable proposals capable of attracting institutional and development financing.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services (DSS), advocated greater inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, community engagement and stronger border surveillance to tackle illegal mining and gemstone smuggling.
The conference also featured a Jewellery Runway Show, showcasing handcrafted jewellery made from locally sourced gemstones and highlighting Nigeria’s growing capacity for gemstone cutting, jewellery manufacturing, design and luxury product development.
At the conclusion of the technical sessions, participants agreed that Nigeria must move beyond the export of rough gemstones and develop a globally recognized industry for finished jewellery.
They called for increased investment in cutting and polishing, jewellery manufacturing, design education, innovation, certification and branding to maximize the economic value of the country’s gemstone resources.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among government agencies, private-sector operators, financial institutions, development partners, researchers and security agencies would accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s gemstone and jewellery industry.
The conference ended with renewed commitments to improving policies, expanding investment opportunities, promoting responsible mining, strengthening security, supporting local manufacturing and enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global gemstone and jewellery market.
GMMAN announced that the 5th Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (NGJCE 2027) will take place from August 2 to 4, 2027, with expectations of broader participation and stronger partnerships.
