In order to equip young people with skills for self-employment, the government plans to establish jewelry training centers across the country to enhance the gemstone industry’s potential for creating wealth for Nigerians.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced this initiative during a ceremony for graduates of the Masters Jewellery Making Programme at the National Gemstone and Jewellery exhibition. The event was organized by the Mineral Sector for Economic Diversification (MinDiver), supported by the World Bank, in collaboration with the ministry.
Alake emphasized the value added by jewelry-making to the mining sector. He also mentioned additional plans to boost the jewelry and gemstone industry, such as forming an industry-promoting body and identifying key factors for its development.
In a statement released by his media aide, Segun Tomori, Alake praised the efforts of the ministry’s management and the MinDiver project officials in enhancing the gemstone value chain and advancing knowledge in Nigeria’s jewelry-making sector.
According to the minister, the government aims to capitalize on the projected market growth from $99 billion to $255 billion by 2025 through the development of Nigeria’s gemstones and jewelry industry, which is expected to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and contribute to the local economy by facilitating wealth generation and export opportunities.
MinDiver, a World Bank-supported initiative, has been actively involved in various projects and training programs to develop Nigeria’s minerals and mining sector. It has conducted training sessions for 96 young Nigerians in jewelry-making and advanced training for 37 participants.
Engr. Salim Salaam, the project coordinator of MinDiver, announced that the exhibition showcased finely crafted jewelry, demonstrating the impact of investing in skills on the mining industry. He emphasized that the products crafted from the nation’s solid minerals align with the minister’s value-addition strategy, positioning Nigeria’s gemstones and jewelry to compete globally.
At the event, graduates of Laurel School of Mining, a training partner of the ministry in jewelry making, received certificates and starter packs. The minister commended the graduates’ talent and assured them of the government’s support for their business expansion.
Felicitas Ella, one of the trainees in gemstone and jewelry making, expressed gratitude for the life-changing economic skills training she received. She appreciated the trainers and program coordinators for their dedication during the four-month training, stating her plans to start small with the provided starter packs and seek funding for business growth.
An exhibitor and geologist, Christian Okpara, highlighted the profitability of the jewelry business when one is well-trained. He noted the predominance of women in jewelry making and men in marketing while commending the ministry for empowering young Nigerians in this field.
