The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to expanding the gemstone and jewellery-making industry in Nigeria, with plans to establish additional training centres across the country. The move aims to promote entrepreneurship within the mining sector and align with the government’s value addition policy to enhance local production.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during a visit to the Laurel School of Mining in Abuja on Friday. Alake commended the school for its leadership in training skilled jewellery and gemstone makers, praising the high quality of products being produced. The jewellery, according to the Minister, is now comparable to international standards, a significant achievement for the country’s mining industry.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Segun Tomori, the Minister highlighted the importance of value addition in the mining sector. He noted that the school’s work demonstrated the transformation of raw materials like gold, sapphire, and other gemstones into finished products, specifically jewellery. “This is value addition,” he stated, emphasizing that this process contributes not only to the mining industry but also to the wider economy by creating jobs, stimulating industrialization, and increasing revenue generation for the country.
Alake assured that the government was committed to enhancing production at the Laurel School of Mining and promised that more such centres would be established nationwide with the commencement of the 2025 budget implementation. He pointed out that the expansion of jewellery production was crucial not only to meet domestic demand but also to tap into export markets, with the potential for the sector to become a significant foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.
The Minister also expressed optimism that many illegal operators within the sector could be encouraged to formalize their activities and transition into legitimate operations through the opportunities offered by these centres. He emphasized that the centres would provide an avenue for Nigerian youth, especially those struggling with unemployment, to gain valuable skills. “This is more than just handiwork; it is industrialization. When you manufacture and produce, you are contributing to the industrialization of the country,” he remarked.
Alake further projected that in the coming years, the production output of these centres would be measurable in terms of financial contributions to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He also expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made at the Laurel School of Mining and assured the public that tangible results would soon follow.
In his response, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Laurel School of Mining, Tope Adebanjo, thanked the Ministry for its continued support, acknowledging that the ongoing Batch 4 Advanced Master Class training would not have been possible without the Ministry’s assistance. Adebanjo outlined plans to further develop entrepreneurs within Nigeria’s gemstone and jewellery industry and requested ongoing support from Alake to ensure the centre’s resources are maximally utilized to create wealth and employment for Nigeria’s youth.
Alake welcomed the initiative and instructed Adebanjo to submit a detailed proposal to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, for further evaluation and action. The Laurel School of Mining, known for its dedication to developing the gem and jewellery industry, focuses on the mining, exploration, and manufacturing of high-quality gemstones and jewellery. It operates with the support of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which is working to advance the mining sector as a critical part of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.
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