By Polycarp Datugun
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector have identified value addition as the pathway to reposition Plateau State as the nation’s gemstones capital, following deliberations at the Investors’ Forum on Gemstones, Cutting, Polishing and Marketing recently organised by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Plateau State Office, in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Solid Minerals Development.
The forum, themed “Unlocking the Potentials of Nigeria’s Gemstones Industry through Value Addition and Investment,” brought together policymakers, researchers, investors, industry experts, training institutions and artisanal miners to chart strategies for transforming Plateau State from a producer of rough stones into a hub for processed, certified and globally competitive gemstones.
Speaking at the event, the Plateau State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mrs. Salifatu R. Guruza, said the forum was convened to address long-standing challenges in the gemstones value chain, particularly the export of unprocessed stones that deprives the state and the nation of jobs, skills and revenue. She noted that Plateau State is richly endowed with high-value gemstones, but stressed that only deliberate investment in cutting, polishing and marketing can unlock their full economic potential.
Mrs. Guruza explained that RMRDC is committed to supporting initiatives that promote local processing, technology adoption and human capacity development, adding that value addition remains central to the Council’s mandate of driving industrial growth through optimal utilisation of Nigeria’s raw materials.
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She urged all stakeholders to support the RMRDC-proposed 30 per cent value addition bill, describing it as a game changer that would transform Nigeria’s economy and create employment opportunities for the nation’s teeming youth.
The Plateau State Government, through the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, signalled a policy shift towards beneficiation and responsible mining. In a goodwill message, he stated that the era of exporting unprocessed gemstones from the state is gradually coming to an end.
According to him, the state government is proposing key initiatives including the establishment of a Gemstones Processing and Lapidary Centre in Jos, the creation of a Gemstones Exchange and Certification Hub, formalisation and geo-tagging of mining sites, and the introduction of a Gemstones Development Levy to fund skills acquisition, community development and environmental remediation.
“These measures are aimed at attracting credible investors, ensuring transparency and traceability, and guaranteeing that host communities, women and youth benefit meaningfully from the sector,” the commissioner said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, Dr. (Mrs.) Asabe Mustapha reaffirmed the Council’s national commitment to promoting value addition across the solid minerals sector. She noted that over 95 per cent of Nigeria’s gemstones are currently exported in raw form, leading to significant economic losses, and described local cutting, polishing and certification as critical steps toward reversing the trend
She added that RMRDC’s interventions in Plateau State are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigerian gemstones are processed and branded locally before export, enhancing foreign exchange earnings and industrial development.
In a keynote address, Prof. Tersoo Aga of the University of Jos described gemstones as a strategic opportunity for economic diversification in Plateau State. He highlighted prospects in lapidary services, jewellery manufacturing, certification and digital traceability, while emphasising the need for investment in modern infrastructure, skills development and inclusive policies.
Technical sessions at the forum featured demonstrations on gemstone cutting and polishing, with experts showcasing how value addition can significantly increase the market worth of gemstones. Participants also discussed the role of technology, innovation and youth participation in building a sustainable gemstones ecosystem.
At the close of the forum, stakeholders expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration between RMRDC, the Plateau State Government and private investors, the state is well positioned to emerge as Nigeria’s centre for ethical, value-added gemstones, transforming its mineral resources into drivers of industrial growth and shared prosperity.
