The Federal Government is set to establish jewellery training centres across the country to enhance the potential of the gemstones industry and boost youth employment, according to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
This initiative aims to capitalize on a market projected to grow from USD 199 billion to USD 255 billion by 2025.
Addressing graduates of the Masters Jewellery Making Project at the National Gemstone and Jewellery Exhibition in Abuja, Alake emphasized the government’s commitment to adding value to the mining industry by prioritizing jewellery making. The exhibition was organized by the World Bank-assisted Mineral Sector for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) in collaboration with the ministry.
Alake announced the formation of a body dedicated to promoting the jewellery industry and identifying key enablers. He praised the efforts of the ministry and MinDiver officials in developing the gemstone value chain and expanding knowledge in Nigeria’s jewellery making sector.
“The development of Nigeria’s gems and jewellery industry is expected to have a significant impact on the economy,” Alake stated. “This industry has the potential to create jobs that can help reduce poverty. When fully harnessed, Nigeria’s gems and jewellery industry can contribute to the local economy by generating wealth and creating export opportunities.”
Engr. Salim Salaam, the MinDiver project coordinator, highlighted the high craftsmanship of the jewellery on exhibition, showcasing the results of investment in skills development. Salaam stressed that Nigeria’s gemstones and jewellery can compete on a global scale, aligning with the minister’s value addition policy.
The event also featured the presentation of certificates and starter packs to graduates of the Laurel School of Mining, a training school partnering with the ministry. The World Bank-assisted project graduated 25 Masters Trainees and certified 37 Advanced Trainees from the Batch 3 Masters Jewellery Making Project.
Minister Alake toured the exhibition stands, commending the graduates’ ingenuity and assuring them of the federal government’s support in expanding their businesses.
