The Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has started the process of empowering 1,000 women entrepreneurs in gemstone mining and utilisation as part of efforts towards contributing to Nigeria’s economic diversification with long-term benefits for both individuals and communities.

This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on oil by developing its rich solid mineral resources.

Speaking at a gemstone training programme in Lagos, which the first set of 100 individuals sponsored by SMDF participated in, the Executive Secretary of the Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, emphasised that gemstones are among Nigeria’s most valuable natural resources, many of which have remained largely untapped.

She noted that the initiative underscored the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on crude oil through economic diversification by harnessing the country’s rich solid mineral resources.

She expressed appreciation for the steadfast support of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, in advancing the Agency’s mandate, and noted the minister’s dedication to women’s empowerment in the mining sector and equipping women with the essential skills to actively engage in the value chain.

According to her, the initiative aims to provide women with the skills needed to harness these resources and gain economic independence.

Shinkafi said the training was a gateway to skill acquisition, entrepreneurship and social empowerment, particularly for women in Nigerian communities.

According to Shinkafi, the training is designed to equip participants with not only the skills but also the financial support needed to start their businesses. Beneficiaries would be given access to loans and grants to turn their training into thriving enterprises.

“Whether through access to markets, mentorship, or cooperative development, we are dedicated to ensuring that the skills these women acquire lead to long-term economic empowerment. Empowering women is key to transforming entire communities,” she stated.

The President of Women in Mining, Dr Janet Adeyemi, emphasised the need to diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil and gas, stressing that the mining sector offers immense growth potential.

She reiterated the focus on raising women entrepreneurs capable of transforming raw gemstones into valuable products.

Also speaking, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and Cambodia, Folakemi Akinleye, lauded the initiative, stating that the training would greatly enhance the lives of rural women and unlock new opportunities in the mining sector.

She explained that in the Philippines, women are deeply involved in mining and contribute significantly to the economy.

Akinleye expressed hope that Nigerian women would soon achieve similar success, despite challenges such as limited funding and lack of skills.

A former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tope Omage, lauded the SMDF’s involvement as a “milestone intervention,” noting its potential to increase women’s income and employment prospects in the country.

Omage expressed confidence that the skills gained through the program would lead to economic opportunities and an improved employment landscape.

One of the programme’s facilitators, who is also a Geologist, Dr. Tersoo Aga, described Nigeria as a country richly blessed with human and natural resources, particularly in the solid mineral sector.