Ibadan:The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing value addition in the gemstones sector as a means to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NEPC’s Executive Director/CEO, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, highlighted this commitment during a programme organized by the council’s Solid Minerals Directorate in Ibadan. The event, themed ‘Promoting Gemstones Value Addition as a Catalyst for Global Competitiveness,’ aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The choice of Ibadan for the programme was strategic, given that Oyo State and its surroundings are rich in gemstone deposits.
Ayeni, represented by Mrs. Oyinkan Duke, Chief Trade Promotion Officer from the Solid Minerals Directorate at NEPC Headquarters, explained that Nigeria achieved $6.1 billion in non-oil export earnings in 2025, marking an 11.5 percent increase over the previous year. Despite having one of the largest gemstone deposits in Africa, Nigeria’s share in the global gemstone and jewelry market is less than 0.1 percent, primarily due to exporting raw stones without adding value.
She emphasized the importance of formalization and value addition, noting that a cut and polished stone is significantly more valuable than a rough one. Ayeni also pointed out that over 80 percent of gemstone mining in Nigeria is artisanal and informal, lacking traceability, standards, and financial access. Certification of origin and ethical sourcing are crucial for attracting serious international buyers.
Under the NEPC’s Export 35 redefined and One-State-One-Product (OSOP) initiative, gemstones have been identified as a strategic product for Oyo State. The NEPC’s strategic priorities include promoting value addition, strengthening export capacity building, enhancing market access, and leveraging technology and innovation. Ayeni encouraged participants to form cooperatives, formalize their operations, and invest in cutting and polishing facilities.
Mrs. Duke, in her presentation, stressed the need for organized, traceable, and legal mining operations to gain global buyer confidence and ensure ethical sourcing. She noted challenges such as illegal mining, insecurity, smuggling, and the lack of modern equipment and skilled gemologists. The NEPC is collaborating with miners’ associations to organize artisanal miners into cooperatives and provide training in cutting, polishing, and jewelry making.
Adeniran Ajibade, president of the Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN), highlighted the lack of skills and facilities for processing activities. He called for continuous government training, vigorous marketing campaigns, professional branding, and the establishment of certified grading laboratories.
Mr. Abiola Olaoluwa, Director of Mining Operations at the Oyo State Minerals Development Agency, emphasized the international market’s demand for quality, certification, traceability, and responsible sourcing. He urged collaboration among government, industry, academia, and the private sector to elevate Nigeria’s gemstones to world-class status.
The event also featured presentations from the Bank of Industry on funding access for miners and from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals on certification processes.