Communique: Gold and Gemstones Conference and Exhibition

WIMN ADMIN November 26, 2022 Uncategorized

WOMEN IN MINING IN NIGERIA, LAGOS STATE CHAPTER.

GOLD AND GEMSTONES CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION.

THEME: UNVEILING NIGERIAN GOLD AND GEMS TO THE WORLD

Registration :

Commenced at 7:00am for individuals and organisations

MC: Mrs. Toun Sonaiya, Represented by Mrs. Regina Chris Ogbodo

National Anthem: All participants

Women Anthem- Mrs. Foluke Ademokun, the Lagos state coordinator led the session.

Prayer- Prayer session was led by Ambassador Regina Edzuwah.

WELCOME ADDRESS: Mrs. Foluke Ademokun, Lagos State Coordinator

She established brief protocol, and on behalf of the president, welcomed everyone to the dialogue of the day. She pointed out that at the end of it, it is hoped that most people will get to know about the mining and gemstone sector with the expectation that the discussions will translate to more investment in the sector, while exploring more opportunities for players and potential players in the industry.

She concluded by thanking the Lagos state government for being a part of the event.

OPENING REMARKS: Honourable, Engineer Janet Adeyemi, National President

Observing all protocols, she thanked everyone present and gave an overview of the organisation:

Women in mining in Nigeria is a non profit organisation with initiatives and engagements driven by commitment to women in mining ( labourers, professionals, operators, activists, he4she), and fuelled by core values around respect, inclusivity, integrity, collaboration, accountability and effectiveness.

The organization is established to be the umbrella organisation and leading change agent to promote gender equality and equity by advocating for best international practices hinged on accountability, sustainability, good governance and transparency.

In her welcome address, the President of the organisation, Honourable engineer Janet Adeyemi FNMGS, FNSE noted that this is the maiden edition of the Lagos Gold and Gemstones Conference and Exhibition, the first of its kind in the economic capital of Nigeria, Lagos. She further stated that the conference will among others, bring to the forefront, economic opportunities in the gold, gemstones and jewellery sector, both for the investors in the manufacturing, equipment as well as investors in the finished products and deepens the value addition drive of the Federal Government to promote mining. In addition, it will give the country’s local jewellers the opportunity to showcase their potentials to the global community.

She emphasized the need for Nigeria to be well known for Jewelleries, considering the availability of mineral resources in all parts of the country.

She concluded by noting that the ultimate aim of the conference is to attract the would be investors attention, attention of banks and other financial institutions to the mining industry, especially the gold and gemstones sector.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

DAY ONE:

The day’s program was broken into the following:

1)Five sessions,(2)keynote addresses,(3)five keynote presentations, (4)five panel sessions, each with its moderator and panellists.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS:

Speaker: Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, Permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

Title: Women as strategic partners in the development and promotion of jewellery crafting in Nigeria.

Key points

She is passionate about the mining activities, as it is very critical for the objectives of the ministry.
Women should be seen as strategic partners. It helps us have roadmap for achieving our goals.
The goals of this industry need to be defined, we must then come up with strategies that will help us achieve our goals. Women in the industry are urged to think strategically.
To do this, we have to go back to the history of Nigeria. From time immemorial, women have been using jewellery. It is therefore pertinent to ask questions such as: Why then are we still here? What are the challenges? What is our current position? What challenges are still with us? How do we get out of them?
Lack of capacity, lack of opportunities for growth, funding challenges, lack of awareness of the industry from government and populace, gender inequality, the dearth of stakeholders’ engagement, lack of deliberate govt policies and actions among others are some of the challenges the industry faces.
There is a need for proper analysis of global and international competitors and what do they do and make a decision if we want to follow suit or create our uniqueness.
We must commence deliberate advocacy to change the narrative.
Women have always played key roles and women have also supported this industry by buying the jewellery and wearing them. This is commendable and a step in the right direction that could be built on.
Women have been doing a lot in advocacy and need to do more. This organisation needs to make deliberate efforts in advocacy to improve women participation in the industry.
Women are bracing up but we need more gender inclusion. Today we have women in mining, Miners Association of Nigeria, we see women taking charge. We are blessed with two female permanent secretaries, including yours sincerely, and a female minister of state.
The ministry has been driving capacity building, opportunities for women to excel in the mining sector.
Economic impact is not yet well felt. Reason is that revenue is being lost through our borders, yet no structure for the industry.
Her recent visit to Thailand showed a very strong gold and gemstone association that is very strong and supported greatly by the government. We may learn from them to know what they are doing right.
The Gold and Gemstone industry in Nigeria is largely driven by women, despite the challenges. Notable among them are: Emotan, Haji Hauwa, Miss Jumoke Lawoyin, Haia Hafsat and Nere Teriba, and other women who have been in the forefront of shaping the industry. Engineer Janet Adeyemi, founder of the Women in Mining in Nigeria, must also be commended for her foresights and giant strides in advocacy and sensitization for the promotion and inclusion of women in the sector.
There are mining clusters in different parts of the country, like the gems market in Ibadan and gold souk in Kano.
These markets will create opportunities for women nationally and globally
The ministry trains people. We hope to train sixty-one. Forty-one people have been trained. These people will go back to train others.
We have an institute in Jos.
Ministry has tried to address the issue of access to finance. Have worked with BOI on a single digit loan with a very long tenure of 25 years.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the Nigerian Mineral Value Chain policy which is designed to ensure that no mineral will be exported out of the county without going through value addition within the country. This will help create jobs for the nation.
Export policy guidelines is being worked on. Working with ministry of finance and EFCC, to apprehend those exporting our goods unduly.
Issues of insecurity at the mine sites is being addressed by the ministry. A major security issue confronting women in the mining sites is the issue of rape.
Jewellery crafting involves a lot of activities, and SMEs, must be encouraged
This program presents an opportunity for women to meet and proffer ways of adding value to the industry.
This event presents an opportunity for jewellers in Nigeria to make more impact
All women in the field can transform their raw materials to beautiful jewellery.
Reaching out to local goldsmiths will go a long way in developing the local industries in the sector to evolve into international merchants.
We can design our niche and have unique design
Women must remain strategic while the Ministry will continue to provide enabling environment and also Continue to support Women in mining in Nigeria.
All women are challenged to help support women in this industry, irrespective of your own area of practice, be you a lawyer or any of the service areas along the value chain.

GOODWILL MESSAGES:

Good will messages were delivered by great personalities as are cap-

tured below:

Mrs. Sholabomi Mosunmola Shashore, permanent secretary, Ministry of Energy and mineral resources, Lagos.

Key points of her message are:

Lagos state is planning to do a lot for the sector. The state government is committed to supporting the women in their pursuit in this area considering that Lagos is a strategic hub for trade in this industry.
The state has infrastructure and the human resources. In the next two years, Lagos state plans to develop the private sector along the value chains will be unveiled.
Holding this event in Lagos state is quite significant, considering that the state is the commercial nerve centre of the country, with intermodal transportation, cosmopolitan population, serves as the fashion hub for Africa, has the music sector that is developing, among others, it has the capacity to support the growth of the industry, in spite of the fact that the state does not have mineral resources of its own.
The state is available and willing to support the organisation in everything they do.

Dr. Orji Ogbunaya Orji, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Extractive industry represented by Ms Chinyere Okechukwu

Keypoints

The mineral resources which are the focus of this conference ( Gold and Gemstone) are major resources for revenue generation, to enable the country meet up with social responsibility

NEITI has published several reports on the extractive industry with eleven cycles of reports between 2017 and 2020. Through the reports, it was discovered that N624.1 billion naira was recorded as revenue from this sector.

Women are urged to take interest in the reports for greater involvement of women in the sector

The reports also showed that only 14% of employees in the sample covered are women.

Available data and information is critical for addressing the gender imbalance in the sector

Gold and gemstones are two critical mineral resources and form part of the seven being focused on by the federal government for promotion and investment.

It is commendable to note that this event is targeted at showcasing Nigeria’s Gold and Gemstone and its huge potentials in generating FDI.

For Gemstones, there are formal markets in all the six geopolitical zones of the country. A special market exists in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. If further expanded, it provides a platform for investment
For Gold, as at 2020, it was discovered that the country has over two hundred million ounces of Gold.

Engineer Salim A. Sallam, project coordinator, MINDIVER ( World Bank)

Key points

Organising this event at this time is commendable, particularly at this time when attention is on providing employment for our teaming youth, and developing the SMEs.
People have been trained in jewellery making, as mentioned by the permanent secretary.
An action on gender impact assessment is ongoing. Restructuring and support for women in mining is currently ongoing, with women in mining actively involved.
He hopes we will go home with tangible values

Engineer Musa Mohammed, President, Miners Association of Nigeria

Key points

Mineral resources come in a variety of ways.
Mining sector is critical for long term development of Nigeria because it is a source of wealth.
Mining faces numerous challenges like greenhouse gas emissions, degradation
There is a need to work together in collaboration, in order to harness the enormous benefits in the industry.
The need for improved mining sector governance is more than ever needed in the industry.
Collaborating to improve small scale miners is important to transform the local industry.
Mining projects must be environmentally sustainable and gender inclusive.
Collaboration with government to provide strategic environmental and societal assessments and promote better policies and regulatory frameworks that protect people and the environment is important.
Leaning and developing programmes should be continuous to improve the players in the industry.
It is time to build the gold market locally by establishing connections to international markets and partnerships, increasing the capacity and skills of local residents and suppliers, ensuring that employment policies promote gender equality and achieving long term social and environmental sustainability
The Miners Association as a long-term partner in the mining industry, is ready to work with the organisation to achieve greater success.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada

The ministry has the mandate to empower women, and ensure no woman is left behind in economic empowerment. There are nineteen skills acquisition centres all over Lagos state.

Teabreak

Keynote Presentation

Speaker: Mr. Olusina Sipasi, Aelex Chambers

Topic: comparative analysis of Nigerian Legal Framework in promotion investment in Mining sector

Key points:

Critical consideration for anyone wanting to go into mining business is to ask: How easy is it to start business in Nigeria?
People who want to go into mining are faced with the challenges of getting permits to mine.
We are ranked thirty-one in Africa in the ease of doing business in Africa, out of the fifty four countries. Technically it takes about two weeks to register a company, and could take longer.
On the issue of getting permits, it involves more than one MDA, this is not peculiar to Nigeria, it happens in other parts of the world
Access to electricity is critical and is concern, given the state of electricity in Nigeria.
Property registration is another issue they are concerned with
Some lands are held by families, some are held by community. There are issues around land registration issues.
Financial institutions that will fund the activities are usually foreign financial institutions
There are concerns about protecting local mining investors
Another concern in the mining sector is Access to credit. What kind of credits are available for the industry players.
Concern about taxation
Some are concerned about export
Some are concerned about contracts
All of these need to be properly aligned for the industry to thrive

Panel discussion

Chairperson/moderator of session: Odein Ajumogobia SAN

Panelists

Ms. Laura – Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies- Key policies and regulations needed to promote inclusion and the impact of new technologies and feminism in the mining industry.
Barrister Jumoke Fajemirokun- Partner at ENR Advisory- The future of Local content Regulation in the Nigerian Mining Jurisdiction.

Key points of session

ASM sector have a lot of issues. Formalisation and inclusiveness is a major issue.
Enforcement is low.
Women participate actively in ASM
Some issues women face in mining is access to finance, Access to education, Access to information
AU 2063 Clearly stated women inclusion as a strategic component for success.
Gender responsive measures we need include access to finance, training and capacity building, targeted at women in mining.
Barriers to entry need to be removed.
Women need support at the mining sites.
Enforcement is a major problem since most laws to address the challenges in the industry are already in existence.
Though Central Bank of Nigeria set aside funds to support SMEs and MSMEs, sometimes there are conditions attached that even the established companies struggle to meet. This becomes an issue for the MSMEs.
There is huge capacity building gap. Women in mining can help in it.
Big problems in host communities is the issue of shared value
Power imbalance is an issue with host communities. NGOs like Women in Mining can come in to train the members of the host communities.
There is need for gender responsive policies to address the issues of gender inclusiveness.
The industry is still very young. We should concentrate on getting investment in at this point
Have policies targeted on training
Address gender sensitive policies

SESSION TWO

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Engineer NIran Ajibade, Architype industries Limited Topic: Gemstone potentials market in Nigeria

Key points

The true potentials of gemstone in Nigeria has not been touched, we are just scratching at the surface
Out of all gemstones in the world, Nigeria has at least one of them and may come 8th in ranking of availability.

Chairman/moderator of session: Dr. Lami Salau, WIMIN

High Panel Discussants

The allure of Ruby, sapphire and emerald and getting Nigeria gemstones into the international directory- Seni Williams, Apata Gems.
Why the unusual high cost of Nigeria gemstones processing gemstones from the pit to the jeweller- Alan Chibuike A&C Nigeria limited, Priceless Training Limited
Processing gemstones from the pit to the jewellery- Engineer Niran Ajibade, Gemstone miners Association, Nigeria

Gemstone value sequence: Diamond, Ruby, emerald and Saphire.
The Fashion world drives the jewellery world and hence, gemstones
Security is the biggest problem for mining and transportation
More trainings and youth empowerment is needed in the industry
Training, advocacy on mineral resources

SESSION THREE

Keynote Presentation- Mineral development and sustainability- Mr. Abiola Ajayi, EMR

Chairman of session/moderator- Dr. Olabode Fakunle, Geoworks Limited

Panel Dsicussants

The race for critical minerals for Development, how prepared is Nigeria.- Dr. Garuba Dauda, International Natural Resources
Sustainability and value chain addition, a panacea for integrated circular economic growth of the mining ecosphere- Professor, Jonahtan Aremu, Covenant University, Ota Ogun state
Addressing the human capacity and equipment gaps in the mining sector- Professor Abiodun Odukoya, University of Lagos, ( WIMIN)

Key points

Set clear directions on mining ambitions of government with long term national development goals
Invest in geological research to obtain a comprehensive knowledge of the country’s mineral endowment
Knowledge linkages are a prerequisite for developing both backward and forward linkages, educational training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics ( STEM), skills is particularly important, therefore investment in Human capital and research and development ( R&D) as the base for industrialisation
To establish backward linkages, domestic entrepreneurs will need to be supported with start-up capital at reasonable rates of interest with customised support schemes to develop their capacity to competitively supply the mining sector, they need empowerment to participate in the value chain.
Establish percentage targets for local content and extend the scope of the local content periodically.
Embrace regional cooperation for developing integrated mineral-based industries across ECOWAS AND AU.
Secure optional finance through comprehensive risk assessment management and the CBN intervention.
Engage and support local communities in mining areas to participate in the value chain.

SESSION FOUR

Keynote presentation- the future of Nigerian gold trading and export formalisation in Nigeria- Nere Emiko, Kian Smith Refinery

Chairperson/moderator- Taiwo Okwor, African Finance corporation AFC

PANEL DISCUSSANTS

Financing criteria for mining investments -Taiwo Okwor, AFC
Investing in London Bullion market Association ( LBMA), certified Gold bars as strategic investment and viable asset class for Nigerian Investors- Ms. Bose Owolabi, Dukia Gold and Precious metals refinery project
Opportunity and challenges in running gold mining operation in Nigeria. Segilola as case study- Ijeoma, Koleosho, Segilola Resources operating Limited

Key points

Partnership is of great importance for individuals and the country as well
Access to labour
Largest population in Africa – 211.4 million people (World Bank Open Data 2021)
Well educated population – good transferability of skills
Specialist mining skills readily available in West Africa
Strong regulatory framework
The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011 were done in consultation with international mining regulations and contain standard mining requirements
Lessons learned regarding community relations in the oil and gas industry.
Government support
FG’s backing and focus on the solid minerals sector, especially the Seven Priority Minerals.
Mining industry awards “Pioneer status incentive” under the Development (Income Tax Relief) Act – substantial fiscal incentives available to mining companies.
Largely untapped/unexplored gold jurisdiction.
Implementing/administering inter-agency initiatives/incentives outlined in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Regulations 2011
i.e. Retainership of earned FOREX for spare parts.
Room for improved functional synergy between the MMSD and other agencies like the FIRS, CBN, NIPC and Customs to make implementation of some inter-agency incentives, provided by the regulation, easily implementable.
Getting in-country labour skilled in gold mining
Locally sourcing some mining equipment and consumables
Illegal mining activities and the increasingly negative perception of mining
Encroachment of illegal miners on mining lease area(s) and the seemingly constrained action by lessee to drive out the illegal miners limitations of the mining operators
Expensive for lessee to engage the law enforcements to flush out the illegal miners (to cover entire area).
Low female representation in the industry
Gold bullion bars are pure gold in the shape of a bar that has been certified for its weight and purity. A serial number is commonly attached to gold bars as well, for security purposes.
Only refiners whose bars have been accredited by LBMA as meeting the exacting standards for trading on the global OTC market appear in the Good Delivery List.
Investment grade gold is purer in terms of gold content
Cannot grow out of fashion
Can buy gold in Nigeria
Bring entrepreneurship back to the universities
Critical minerals are now found in Nigeria, such as lithium
Total exploration budget for Africa (262 companies reporting) in 2016 was $916m – a drop of 73% from the high of nearly $3.5bn in 2012.
The DRC attracted the largest share of the African exploration budgets for the 6th consecutive year
Gold dominates exploration budgets (51%), but in 2016 exploration, graphite received almost as much funding
In absolute terms ($) gold exploration hit a 10- year low, and diamonds 14-year low in 2016.
Mining stakeholders include: government, investors, companies and communities, each with its distinct role and impact on the industry.

SESSION FIVE

Keynote presentation-

Value addition for growth of Gold and Gemstones in Nigeria- Kiki Uduma

Chair/moderator- Abiodun Olubitan,

Key discusants

The art of jewellery making, challenges and prospects in Nigeria- Olasubomi Okhueleigbe, Subomi Elesho and Co.
Modernising jewellery making for profitable venture- – Mr. Adeyemi Barry Adebare, Barry Gold Nigeria limited
The inside story from a second-generation Goldsmiths in Nigeria- Mr. Adekoya Osisanya, Korbus jewellers
The impact of Jewellery training in the emergency of lagos city as a jewellery Hub- Ibironke Oduniyi, Lagos Jewellery School

Key points

Women should be encouraged to be jewellers.
Market In Nigeria is not saturated yet, hence enormous opportunities exist.
Gold and Gemstones are Crucial driver in national economic development & economic growth
Country presently losing substantial
potential income from these sectors
Loss of approximately $4.2m per day due to illegal mining
Limited governmental regulation has led to financial losses to artisanal miners, dealers, and the government at large
The problem – the lack of development of the other stages of the mining sector critical for value addition, has left the full cycle of the gold and gemstone mining industry at a somewhat embryonic stage as a whole.
Gold & Gemstone mining global billion dollar industries
Many Asian countries high importers of gemstones
Present government focus on non-oil sectors
Opportunities for growth and development of the industry are significant due to this high international demand for gems and gold.
Potential to contribute 10% GDP by year 2030.
It is important to provide value addition training centres across the country.

WOMEN IN MINING IN NIGERIA, LAGOS CHAPTER

GOLD AND GEMSTONES CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

THEME: UNVEILING NIGERIAN GOLD AND GEMSTONE TO THE WORLD

VENUE: THE METROPOLITAN CLUB, 15, KOFO ABAYOMI STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS.

COMMUNIQUE

INTRODUCTION/ SYNOPSIS OF WOMEN IN MINING AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE

The Conference which attracted participants from the public, private and third sectors recorded the attendance of the Federal ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Lagos state ministry of Energy and mineral resources, Miners Association of Nigeria, the Academia, legal practitioners, trade experts, industry practitioners along various value chains among others, was a full day practical based event, with another day set aside for exhibition of the works of various indigenous organisations.

SUMMARY OF ACTION POINTS ARISING FROM THE PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

The federal ministry of mines and steel development through the permanent secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade pointed out that the discussions at the conference initiatives is in line with government’s objectives to build a private led solid mineral industry.

Women in mining in Nigeria to continue to advocate for gender inclusive policies across the different tiers of government, for more participation and development of women in the mining industry
Government to collaborate with Women in mining in Nigeria for coordinated efforts for women inclusion in the various value chains of mining and gemstone
All stakeholders are encouraged to understand and attend to labour and employment related issues in the industry, especially as it related to women, to enable the country produce more women in leadership positions in the industry, who can contribute to development of workable policies and their implementation.
Organisations should make innovation a part of managing talents in the industry by delivering relevant trainings and creating an enabling culture that supports innovations to drive performance
Public private partnership is encouraged, and where existing, it should be deepened, to resolve complexities and challenges faced in the industry, to encourage the participation of more people with interest in the industry. This will help gain economies of scale and leverage innovative ideas and best practices in the private sector and other non state sectors, to build new generation of experts, with continuity to upcoming generation.
Government to support research in this field. Leveraging on continuous apparatus to support government, organisations and business leaders with relevant data required for decision making in the industry
The organisation will engage with the ministry of mines to involve women in the industry in available opportunities for business growth and national development
Practitioners in the industry are encouraged to source for and engage in activities that will showcase the talents of the women in the industry and put them in the forefront of international recognition.
Government should put policies in place that will attract investors at various levels.
The organisation will be at the forefront of advocating for security of women in mining, to encourage more participation of women.
Mining, gold and gemstone continue to be a source of great economic benefit, with ecological damaging effects. Women in mining is positioned to work with relevant agencies to continually develop templates to reduce the ecological effects.
One of the identified challenges the industry faces is the uncontrolled and illegal smuggling of gold and gemstones through Nigeria’s border, with its resultant effects of loss of valuable revenue. Women in mining in Nigeria is therefore calling on the government, through the different stakeholders ministries and agencies
Introduction of entrepreneurship in the curriculum of universities and other institutions of learning in Nigeria where gold and gemstone entrepreneurship development courses could be taught.
There is a need for government at various levels to train and empower the youth along the different value chains in the industry. Women in mining, having the requisite experience can work with government tot achieve this.
Government to develop policies with consideration for shared values for host communities where mining take place, for cooperation, security and economic development of the community and the country.
Gender responsive policies should be in place by various levels of government. The policies should cover access to finance, training and capacity building targeted at women in mining. Such policies should also address entry barriers, especially as it affects women.

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