Nigeria Gemstone Industry Targets Global Market as NGJCE 2026 Ends with Fresh Investment, Branding Push
Oru Leonard
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s gemstone and jewellery industry have renewed calls for stronger branding, investment, value addition, security and transparency to position the country as a globally competitive destination for gemstones and jewellery.
The call came at the conclusion of the 4th Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (NGJCE 2026), held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Organised by the Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN), the three-day conference brought together government officials, mining operators, gemstone marketers, jewellery manufacturers, designers, investors, financial institutions, security agencies, researchers, development partners and policymakers.
The conference, themed “Branding and Promotion of Nigeria’s Amazing Gemstones and Jewelry for Global Visibility and Maximum Value,” focused on strategies to strengthen the gemstone value chain through responsible mining, technology adoption, innovation, market expansion, local processing and sustainable investment.
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.
Ajibade said stronger partnerships, local value addition, skills development, responsible mining practices and increased participation in international markets were essential to achieving the objective.
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 the mining sector.
Similarly, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), represented by its South-West Regional Coordinator, Arc. Benedict Itegbe, stressed the importance of export readiness, product standardisation, value addition and strategic branding in making Nigerian gemstones competitive internationally.
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.
The Federal Government, he said, remained committed to policies aimed at attracting investment, strengthening regulation and promoting sustainable development of the mining sector.
The Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, represented by the Director of Concessions, Alhaji Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, also assured stakeholders that the agency would continue to promote legal, transparent and compliant mining operations.
Representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Deacon Oladejo Owolabi highlighted the proposed Ibadan International Jewellery and Gem Centre, describing it as a landmark project with the potential to stimulate investment, tourism and economic development in the region.
Other dignitaries included the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Dele Ayanleke, and the President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Ms. Rose Ndong, represented by the Society’s Vice President, Hon. Matthew Oyedokun.
During technical sessions, industry experts advocated stronger branding, improved certification systems, digital marketing, ethical sourcing, traceability and compliance with international quality standards.
Participants also stressed the importance of transparency and integrity throughout the gemstone value chain, noting that responsible sourcing and consumer confidence were increasingly critical to accessing international markets.
A presentation by ProvidusUnity Bank, delivered by Mr. John Ikhena on behalf of the Group Head, Large Corporate and Structured Finance, Dr. Abiodun Ariyo, examined financing opportunities in the sector.
The bank encouraged gemstone operators to formalise their businesses, strengthen corporate governance and develop bankable investment proposals capable of attracting institutional and development financing.
Security was another major issue at the conference, with representatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services (DSS) calling for stronger inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, community engagement and improved border surveillance to tackle illegal mining and gemstone smuggling.
The conference also featured a Jewellery Runway Show, showcasing locally produced jewellery made from Nigerian gemstones and highlighting the country’s growing potential in gemstone processing, design and luxury product development.
Participants ultimately agreed that Nigeria must move beyond the export of rough gemstones and develop a globally recognised industry for finished jewellery.
They called for increased investment in cutting and polishing, jewellery manufacturing, design education, certification, innovation and international branding.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among government agencies, private-sector operators, financial institutions, development partners, researchers and security agencies would accelerate the development of Nigeria’s gemstone and jewellery industry.
The conference ended with renewed commitments to responsible mining, improved security, local manufacturing, investment promotion, stronger industry regulation and enhanced global visibility for Nigerian gemstones.
GMMAN announced that the 5th Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (NGJCE 2027) will hold from August 2 to 4, 2027, with expectations of broader participation and stronger partnerships.
(Olayemi John-Mensah, ACCI Media & Strategy Officer)
