On August 15, 2023, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, Esq., inaugurated the National Gemstone, Jewellery & Mineral Development, Exhibition & Trading Center at the African University of Science & Technology in Abuja.
The center is a significant step towards harnessing Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and fostering economic growth and development. It will serve as a hub for the exploration, processing, and trading of gemstones, minerals, and jewelry. Additionally, it will offer opportunities for research, education, and training. This initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s expertise in these domains and establish it as an authority in the global gemstone and mineral trade.
Simultaneously, the National Mineral Development Roundtable was convened. The roundtable facilitated discussions on strategic planning for mineral development, policy formulation, and fostering partnerships among industry stakeholders.
These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to discovering new growth pathways, generating job opportunities, lessening reliance on conventional sectors, and positioning Nigeria as a global contender in the gemstone and mineral trade. This is indeed a significant move towards enhancing Nigeria’s economy and its standing in the global marketplace.