- Lagos State Unveils Ambitious Plan to Lead Africa’s Gemstone, Jewellery Industry
- Williams assured support for jewellers, artisans, and miners, pledging tools, training to help them compete globally
- Lagos aims to position itself as a continental hub for exploration
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable, innovation-driven gemstone and jewellery sector, highlighting the untapped mineral potential within the state.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the announcement was made at the 2025 Gemstone and Jewellery Conference and Exhibition (GGCE), held at the Oriental Hotel from November 26–28. Speaking on behalf of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Engr. Abiola Olowu, Geologist Oluremi Williams emphasized that Lagos aims to position itself as a continental hub for exploration, cutting, polishing, grading, certification, design innovation, and global market access.
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“Rarely do people associate Lagos with the deep, earth-borne treasures within our reach. Today, we are here to change that narrative,” Williams said. He noted that responsible development of the state’s mineral resources, including clay, silica sand, bitumen, gravel, and recently discovered crude oil would help diversify Lagos’ economy beyond commerce, technology, and innovation.
The state government is pursuing a three-point agenda: creating a conducive policy environment, building critical infrastructure, and fostering strategic partnerships. Williams further assured support for jewellers, artisans, and miners, pledging tools, training, and platforms to help them compete globally.
“The energy of Lagos is not just in our power plants; it is in the vibrant spirit of our people. Our mineral wealth is not just in the ground; it is in the brilliance of your craft and the genius of your designs,” he added.
GGCE 2025 also brought together key dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Dele Alake, represented by Engr. Farouk Yabo; Her Excellency Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Adviser to the President on SDGs, represented by Mr Bala Yunusa; and top officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment.
The event attracted industry leaders, master jewellers, geologists, artisans, investors, and members of the international gemstone community.
The conference underscores Lagos State’s ambition to lead Africa in sustainable gold, gemstone, and jewellery development, combining mineral wealth with the creativity and craftsmanship of its people.
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