*Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals Development, underlines the significance of the forthcoming Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition, to expand opportunities, deepen regional integration and chart a future for mineral wealth in the West African country

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government has said the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE) is a veritable platform to expand opportunities, deepen regional integration and chart a future for Nigeria鈥檚 mineral wealth.

Dr. Dele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), underlined the significance of this at a pre-event news conference Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

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绿帽献妻 reports Dr. Alake noted the WIMIN gemstone conference with the theme, the Minister said the conference鈥檚 theme, 鈥淎ccelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa”, targets sustainable growth, opportunities in the mining sector of the Nigerian economy.

It is also noted the GGCE advances Agenda 2063 by promoting local value addition, responsible mining, and regional collaboration in Africa鈥檚 gold and gemstone sector.

It is noted that the gold and gemstone value chain holds vast potential to create jobs for Nigerian youths, and increase revenue required to address infrastructural gaps in the economy.

Alake, represented at the forum by Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi, Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), said the development of the sector aligned with the Ministry鈥檚 drive to implement bold reforms and strengthen transparency.

The Minister said the MSMD as well aimed to accelerate the acquisition of geological data, support local refining, manufacturing, and formalise artisanal mining in Nigeria.

He, therefore, described the gold and gemstone industry as critical to harnessing the available mineral wealth to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

Alake said: 鈥淕old and gemstones matter for so many, in creating jobs, empowering women and youth, and sparking new enterprises across the globe.

鈥淥ne polished gem or handcrafted piece of jewelry can multiply in value, creating prospects far beyond the raw materials.”

The Minister further explained: 鈥淲e are pushing for responsible sourcing and certification so Nigeria shifts from an exporter of raw minerals to a leader in refined, beautifully crafted products.

鈥淩egional integration is also at our core; this conference therefore presents a pathway to realising the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), building strong value chains and raising Africa鈥檚 voice in the global marketplace.

鈥淚 salute WIMIN for ensuring inclusivity, and assure you the Ministry will always support initiatives that strengthen communities, provide training, and foster safer, more collaborative mining environments.”

According to the Minister, the theme of the conference reflects a collective ambition to transform the sector and build enduring value for every African.

The Minister noted this year鈥檚 conference signals an intent to build structures for equitable participation in the mining industry.

The technical sessions, he said, would address key hurdles and showcase leading youth and women voices, while mentorship programmes and workshops would equip more young Africans and aspiring women leaders.

Alake applauded the leadership of WIMIN for its commitment to elevating the roles of women, youth, and artisans across the sector.

WIMIN President highlights importance of ‘responsible mining’

Underscoring the essence of the upcoming event, Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, National President of WIMIN, in her remarks, restated the significance of responsible mining.

Mrs. Adeyemi said this would offer enduring benefits for future generations, particularly in addressing infrastructural deficits in Nigeria.

The President of the Association asserted that Nigeria must leverage its mineral resources for national development, which required concerted and sustained efforts.

She also said women should be integrated at all levels of economic decision-making because of their significant contribution to economic activities, including in the mining sector, and a relatively huge population of women in the country.

Adeyemi, therefore, described women as the major workers in the downstream segment of the mining industry, with their creativity evident in the gems and gold sector, particularly their outstanding jewelry designs.

In regard to the upcoming conference, she noted the forum aims to remove barriers and bottlenecks, including exploitation of women involved in the sector, hindering the growth and operations of the gold and gemstone industry in Nigeria.[do_widget id=heateor_sss_sharing-2