Solid minerals minister Dele Alake says the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition is a veritable platform to expand opportunities, deepen regional integration and chart a future for Nigeria’s mineral wealth.

Mr Alake reiterated the importance of the GGCE at a news conference held on Tuesday in Abuja ahead of the event.

The GGCE, convened by the Women in Mining in Nigeria, will hold the fourth edition from November 24 to 28 in Lagos.

The GGCE advances Agenda 2063 by promoting local value addition, responsible mining, and regional collaboration in Africa’s gold and gemstone sector.

The minister said the development of the sector aligned with the Ministry’s drive to implement bold reforms and strengthen transparency. He added that the Ministry also aims to accelerate the acquisition of geological data, support local refining and manufacturing, and formalise artisanal mining.

He described the gold and gemstone industry as critical to harnessing Nigeria’s mineral wealth and improving the welfare of its people.

“Gold and gemstones matter for so many, in creating jobs, empowering women and youth, and sparking new enterprises across the globe. One polished gem or handcrafted piece of jewelry can multiply in value, creating prospects far beyond the raw materials.

“We are pushing for responsible sourcing and certification so Nigeria shifts from an exporter of raw minerals to a leader in refined, beautifully crafted products.

“Regional integration is also at our core; this conference therefore presents a pathway to realising the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area, building strong value chains and raising Africa’s voice in the global marketplace. I 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,” he said.

The minister said the conference’s theme, “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa,” reflected a collective ambition to transform the sector and build enduring value for every African.

According to him, this year’s conference signals an intent to build structures for equitable participation.

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.

He commended WIMIN’s leadership for its commitment to elevating the roles of women, youth, and artisans across the sector.

WIMIN’s national president, Janet Adeyemi, reiterated the importance of responsible mining, which she said offers enduring benefits for future generations, particularly in addressing infrastructure deficits.

Ms Adeyemi said Nigeria must leverage its mineral resources for national development, which requires concerted and sustained efforts.

She 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 because they constitute about half of Nigeria’s population.

Ms Adeyemi 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.

She said the conference aims to remove barriers and bottlenecks hindering the growth and operations of the gold and gemstone industry in Nigeria, including the exploitation of women involved in the sector.

Ms Adeyemi said the gold and gemstone value chain has significant potential to create jobs for Nigerian youths and increase revenue to address infrastructure gaps.

(NAN)