NGJCE 2026: Stakeholders Back Branding, Security and Value Addition for Nigeria’s Gem Industry

Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference 2026 Ends With Renewed Commitment to Branding, Investment, Security and Value Addition
The 4th Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (NGJCE 2026) has ended 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.

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.
The participants deliberated on practical strategies for unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s gemstone industry under the theme, “Branding and Promotion of Nigeria’s Amazing Gemstones and Jewelry for Global Visibility and Maximum Value.”
The conference 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. He said this would be achieved through stronger partnerships, local value addition, skills development, responsible mining practices and increased participation in international markets.
Ajibade 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, stressed the importance of export readiness, product standardisation, value addition and strategic branding in improving 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.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment 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 of the agency’s commitment to ensuring that mining activities are carried out 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 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.
Throughout the conference, experts called for stronger branding strategies, improved certification systems, digital marketing, ethical sourcing, traceability and adherence to 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 are critical to competing effectively 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 in the gemstone industry.
The bank encouraged operators to formalise their businesses, strengthen corporate governance and develop bankable investment proposals capable of attracting institutional and development finance.
Security was also a major focus, as representatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services (DSS) advocated 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 a Jewellery Runway Show, where designers displayed high-quality handcrafted jewellery made from locally sourced gemstones, highlighting the country’s growing capacity for value addition and luxury product development.
At the final technical sessions, participants unanimously agreed that Nigeria must move beyond being primarily an exporter of rough gemstones and become a globally recognised producer of finished jewellery.
They called for 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 accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s gemstone and jewellery industry.
The conference ended with renewed commitments to strengthening policies, expanding investment opportunities, promoting responsible mining, improving security, supporting local manufacturing and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the gemstone and jewellery market.
The Association also announced that the 5th Nigeria Gemstones and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (NGJCE 2027) will take place from August 2 to 4, 2027, with expectations of broader participation and stronger partnerships aimed at advancing Nigeria’s gemstone industry.