Nigeria is often associated with oil and agriculture, but beneath its surface lies another treasure trove: gemstones. Richly endowed with a vast variety of precious and semi-precious stones, Nigeria is fast emerging as a key player in the global gem market — though much of its potential remains untapped.
A Geologically Blessed Nation
Nigeria boasts over 50 different types of gemstones found across various states. Notable varieties include:
- Tourmaline (in multiple colors, including rare pink and green bi-color)
- Sapphire (especially in Taraba and Kaduna)
- Aquamarine
- Garnet
- Topaz
- Zircon
- Amethyst
States like Oyo, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Bauchi are rich in gemstone deposits, with artisanal miners forming the backbone of local extraction efforts.
Challenges Facing the Sector
Despite the country’s abundance, Nigeria currently exports most of its gemstones in raw form, losing billions in potential value. Some key challenges include:
- Lack of modern mining equipment
- Poor infrastructure and limited access to financing
- Minimal value addition (cutting, polishing, certification)
- Weak regulation and smuggling
The Path to Value Addition
The push to develop Nigeria’s solid minerals sector — particularly gemstones — is gaining momentum. Stakeholders are calling for:
- Training and empowerment for local miners and lapidaries
- Establishment of gem labs and cutting centers
- Government policies that encourage local processing and exports
- Promotion of exhibitions like the Nigerian Gem and Jewelry Exhibition (NGJE) to connect miners to global markets
A Future Full of Sparkle
With increasing global demand for ethically sourced and unique gemstones, Nigeria is poised to benefit — but only if it invests in capacity building, regulation, and market access. Events like NGJE, educational partnerships, and technology integration can all play a role in unlocking this promising sector.
Nigeria’s gemstone story is still being written — and it could become one of the country’s most brilliant economic success stories.
