President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s shea value chain, boosting local production, and creating jobs.
The directive, announced yesterday and effective immediately, is subject to review upon expiration. According to Tinubu, the measure is expected to generate about $300 million annually in the short term by shifting the country from raw exports to value-added products such as refined shea butter and oil.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the President’s directive during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the State House, Abuja, said the decision is “not an anti-trade policy but a pro-value addition policy.”
He noted that the move will help secure raw materials for processing factories, enable industries to run at full capacity, and boost rural incomes.
“This decision will transform Nigeria from an exporter of raw shea nut to a global supplier of refined shea butter, oil, and other derivatives,” Shettima added.
The Vice President urged the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies to fast-track the enforcement of the ban, ensuring that local processors have adequate supply for production.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the policy as a strategic step to increase foreign exchange earnings and strengthen Nigeria’s agro-processing sector.
