Nigeria Gemstones, Jewellery conference 2026 ends with renewed commitment to branding, investment, security, value addition

The 4th Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (NGJCE 2026) has successfully concluded in Ibadan, Oyo State, with stakeholders across the mining and jewellery value chain reaffirming their commitment to transforming Nigeria into a globally competitive gemstone and jewellery hub through strategic branding, investment, value addition, transparency, and improved security.

The conference was organised by the Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN) at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

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 to deliberate on practical strategies for unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s gemstone industry.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday by Olayemi John-Mensah, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, Media and Strategy Officer.

The conference with the themed, “Branding and Promotion of Nigeria’s Amazing Gemstones and Jewelry for Global Visibility and Maximum Value,” focused on strengthening the entire gemstone value chain through collaboration, innovation, responsible mining practices, technology adoption, market expansion, and sustainable investment.

In his welcome address, the President of GMMAN, Engr. Adeniran Ajibade, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a preferred global destination for gemstones and jewellery by promoting stronger partnerships, local value addition, skills development, responsible mining practices, and increased participation in international markets. He described the annual conference as a strategic platform for policy dialogue, investment promotion, business networking, and industry development.

The opening ceremony featured goodwill messages from key government agencies and industry stakeholders.

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, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable growth and investment within Nigeria’s mining sector.

Representing the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Ms. Nonye Ayeni, the South-West Regional Coordinator, Arc. Benedict Itegbe, emphasized the importance of export readiness, product standardisation, value addition, and strategic branding in enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the international gemstone market.

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by the Deputy Director, Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade Department, Dr. Kalu Kalu, officially declared the conference open, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that will attract investment, strengthen regulation, and promote sustainable development of the mining sector.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, represented by the Director of Concessions, Alhaji Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, assured stakeholders of the agency’s commitment to ensuring that mining activities are conducted legally, transparently, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Deacon Oladejo Owolabi highlighted the significance of the proposed Ibadan International Jewellery and Gem Centre, describing it as a landmark project capable of stimulating investment, tourism, and economic development within the region.

Other dignitaries at the conference 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, who was represented by the Society’s Vice President, Hon. Matthew Oyedokun.

Throughout the conference, experts called for stronger branding strategies, improved certification systems, digital marketing, ethical sourcing, traceability, and international quality standards to increase the global visibility and commercial value of Nigerian gemstones.

Participants also stressed the need for greater transparency and integrity across the gemstone value chain, noting that consumer confidence, responsible sourcing, and compliance with international standards have become critical requirements for competing in global markets.

A technical 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 within the gemstone industry and encouraged operators to formalise their businesses, strengthen corporate governance, and develop bankable investment proposals capable of attracting institutional and development finance.

Security also featured prominently during the conference, with representatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Department of State Services (DSS) advocating stronger inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, community engagement, and enhanced border surveillance to combat illegal mining and gemstone smuggling.

The conference further showcased Nigeria’s creative potential through an impressive Jewellery Runway Show, where designers displayed high-quality handcrafted jewellery produced from locally sourced gemstones, demonstrating the country’s growing capacity for value addition and luxury product development.

In the final technical sessions, participants unanimously agreed that Nigeria must transition from being primarily an exporter of rough gemstones to becoming a globally recognised producer of finished jewellery through increased investment in gemstone cutting and polishing, jewellery manufacturing, design education, innovation, certification, and branding.

At the close of the conference, stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among government institutions, private sector operators, financial institutions, development partners, researchers, and security agencies would significantly accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s gemstone and jewellery industry.

The conference concluded with renewed commitments to strengthening policies, expanding investment opportunities, promoting responsible mining, improving security, supporting local manufacturing, and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness within the gemstone and jewellery market.

The Association also announced that the 5th Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (NGJCE 2027) will be held from August 2 to 4, 2027, with expectations of broader participation and stronger partnerships aimed at advancing Nigeria’s gemstone industry.