A gemstone centre is to be set up in Ibadan, Oyo State as part of the Gemstone Development Programme of the Federal Government. The Ibadan platform is one of the two planned for the country, with the second planned for Jos, Plateau State.

Speaking during a stakeholders workshop in Abuja recently, the International Consultant for Nigeria Gemstone Development Programme, Mr. Jean Claude Michelou, said the project would among others enhance the branding of Nigeria as an international gemstone centre, boost trading in Nigerian gemstone and gemstone export volume, attract foreign gemstone buyers and obtain international ethical and fair trade certification for the Nigerian gemstone.

Michelou said: “When it eventually takes off, the Ibadan Gemstone Export Centre would join eight others across the world. They are: Bangkok and Chantaburi in Thailand, Panyu in China, Jaipar in India, Bogota in Columbia, Colombo in Siri Lanka, Teofilo, Otone in Brazil and New York,” he said

He explained that the platform will consist 40 individual trading offices for gemstone operators, a gemological testing laboratory, one stop shop government export procedures, Fedex shipping facilities, supply store for gemstone related equipment and banking halls.

Others are capacity building facilities, conference room, an office to house the gemstone association, and food catering facilities.

Michelou explained that Nigerian gemstone will be branded for proper identification in the international market and that critical to the development of the sector according to him, is participation in major international trade events such as Dubai, Tucson and Bangkok shows.

He called for the co-operation of communities in gemstone producing areas.

He noted that the platform will provide opportunities for government to collect royalty at the point of export, a buying and export centre and a one stop shop to fast-tract government export control.