MMSD, Project Consult to commence jewellery training programme, Wednesday

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and Projekt Consult are set to launch a strategic pathway for the development of the gemstones and jewellery industry in Nigeria by organising training programme for its stakeholders on Wednesday, 7th August.

This is coming shortly after the ministry successfully entered an agreement with a German Consulting Firm, Projekt Consult, and its partners; Gemological Institute of Nigeria for the design and implementation of a strategy for the development of gemstone and jewellery in Nigeria.

The launch slated for the Best Centre, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Gemological Institute of Nigeria and African Gems and Jewellery Exhibition and Seminar (AGJES) is part of key programmes planned by the ministry during the stakeholders’ workshop.

Permanent secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Abdulkadir Mua’zu will deliver the keynote address expected to herald a robust deliberation by stakeholders in a bid to develop a national gemstone sector strategy.

The project is supervised and supported by The World Bank, under the,Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver), in the ministry, will focus on the design and implementation of a strategy for developing Nigeria’s gemstone and jewellery industry and the development of a skilled workforce in design and marketing of jewellery.

Project Coordinator of MinDiver, Mr Linus Adie, said after the ministry successfully entered an agreement with Projekt Consult as the main consultants to design and implement a strategy for the development of Nigeria’s gemstone, the next step is the launch of the project.

He stated that the formal launch at the stakeholders’ workshop will attract gemstone miners and traders, jewellery designers and manufacturers, crafts artists, fashion designers as well as government and industry representatives.

He noted that the project will seek to investigate the Nigerian gemstone industry and its opportunities in the emerging market so as to reposition locally produced gemstones and jewellery in the marketplace.

Aimed at bridging the gap that exists between local gemstone miners and jewellers, he said the project when fully implemented will develop and promote creative African gem and jewellery designs developed from modern jewellery-making techniques for easy sharing with local artisans and craft shops.

He said the team of experts working in line with the strategic development plan will train Nigerian master trainers in modern jewellery-making techniques and fusion designs learned from the long tradition of jewellery-making in Nigeria.

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