Lagos State Pledges Support for Mineral Beneficiation at Africa GEM 2025 Conference

 The Lagos State Government has officially declared its support for "Women in Mining Nigeria" in their campaign to promote mineral beneficiation and local value creation. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose, made this commitment during the Africa GEM 2025 Exhibition and Conference held recently in Lagos. The event, themed “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gemstone Development in Africa,” brought together key industry players and policymakers.

Addressing the audience, the Commissioner emphasized that participants are the custodians of Africa’s mineral wealth and are responsible for its transformation from raw resources to high-value products. She stressed that value must be created within Nigeria before minerals reach international markets to ensure the country reaps the full economic benefits. This shift is essential for moving away from the traditional model of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.

​Lagos was highlighted as Nigeria’s commercial and maritime powerhouse, uniquely positioned to lead this national industrial shift. Mrs. Bada Ambrose noted that by fostering an environment of innovation and technical excellence, the state can trigger a new era of growth in the gemstone and mining industry. Such growth is expected to create numerous jobs, build specialized skills, and significantly raise export revenues for the state and the federation.

​The conference was described as a vital call to action for collaboration among governments, private sectors, and artisanal miner associations. The Commissioner urged stakeholders to embrace responsible sourcing and global craftsmanship standards to protect the dignity of labor. This initiative aligns with the "Renewed Hope Agenda" of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which seeks to revitalize the solid minerals sector through the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

In her closing remarks, the Commissioner reaffirmed that Lagos State is ready to provide the necessary support to ensure that African gemstones receive their rightful place on the world stage. By advocating for environmental sustainability and fair value distribution, the state aims to empower women and youth involved in the mining value chain. The commitment marks a significant step toward making mineral wealth a catalyst for broad-based prosperity in Lagos.

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