Nigeria’s precious minerals sector is set for a major spotlight as stakeholders prepare to gather for the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE) 2025, scheduled for November 24–28 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki. The event is being positioned as a game-changer for the country’s underutilised gemstone industry, which analysts believe holds multi-billion-dollar potential for economic diversification, job creation, and global competitiveness.
Themed “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gemstone Development in Africa,” the five-day summit will unite miners, jewellers, investors, regulators, policymakers, financial institutions, and international partners to map out a new growth trajectory for Nigeria and Africa’s mineral value chain.
Nigeria is richly endowed with gemstones such as sapphire, emerald, aquamarine, garnet, tourmaline, and topaz, yet most of these resources are exported raw, with little or no local value addition.
Experts argue that this practice denies the country billions of dollars in potential revenue and job opportunities.
According to a recent report by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Nigeria could generate up to $12 billion annually from the gemstone sector if investments were directed towards cutting, polishing, jewellery design, and global export compliance.
Speaking ahead of the event, Janet Adeyemi, President of Women in Mining in Nigeria, and chair of the GGCE 2025 organising committee, said the summit will reposition the country as a credible global player in precious minerals.
“GGCE 2025 is more than an event; it’s a movement to unlock Africa’s mineral wealth responsibly and inclusively.
With the rising global demand for ethically sourced gold and gemstones, Nigeria must claim its rightful position in the global marketplace,” Adeyemi said.
The summit will spotlight artisanal miners, women in mining, and small-scale cooperatives, emphasising sustainable mining practices and financial inclusion. Highlights include:
Expert panel sessions on policy reforms, international trade regulations, and ethical sourcing.
Exhibitions showcasing gemstones, jewellery, mining equipment, and artisanal crafts.
Investment pitches connecting cooperatives and start-ups with financiers.
Masterclasses on gem grading, jewellery design, and global market standards.
A jewellery-making competition to highlight Nigeria’s creative talent.
The closing ceremony will feature a gala dinner, fashion show, and networking session, showcasing gemstone-inspired designs and the cultural richness of Nigeria’s jewellery industry.
The gemstone summit is expected to catalyse public-private partnerships (PPPs), investment inflows, and regulatory reforms.
Organisers confirmed that government agencies, including the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), will participate actively to strengthen policy alignment and compliance with global best practices.
A senior official at the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the event comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking non-oil revenue diversification.
“The gemstone sector is an untapped goldmine. With the right infrastructure, training, and international partnerships, Nigeria can create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and position itself as Africa’s gemstone hub,” the official said.
Globally, the gemstone market is projected to reach $53 billion by 2030, driven by demand for ethically sourced and traceable gems.
Industry watchers say Nigeria has the potential to capture a significant share of this market, provided it addresses issues such as illegal mining, poor infrastructure, and limited access to finance for small-scale miners.
Experts also stress the importance of traceability technologies—blockchain and AI-based certification systems—to enhance Nigeria’s credibility in the international gemstone trade.
The GGCE 2025 summit is expected to serve as a springboard for Nigeria’s gemstone industry, setting the tone for long-term reforms, global collaborations, and inclusive growth.
Stakeholders believe that with the right strategies, the sector could rival oil as a major revenue earner for Nigeria in the future.
As Adeyemi noted, “This is the time to transform Nigeria from a mere exporter of raw minerals into a global leader in gemstone value addition. GGCE 2025 will be the platform to make that vision a reality.”