Our Reporter, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the suspension of raw shea exports from Nigeria for an initial period of six months, a move aimed at strengthening local processing, creating jobs, and increasing the nation’s share of the booming global shea market.
The President said the decision, taken on the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, was necessary to correct what he described as a longstanding imbalance in Nigeria’s participation in the $6.5 billion global shea industry.
“Nigeria produces nearly 40 percent of the world’s supply, yet captures less than 1 percent of its market value,” Tinubu said.
“That imbalance ends now.”
The ban, according to the President, is intended to secure raw supply for domestic processors, expand job opportunities, and strengthen a value chain where women account for 95 percent of shea pickers.
“This is a win for our farmers, for our women, and for Nigeria,” Tinubu declared.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been directed to work closely with stakeholders to rapidly expand processing capacity and ensure the policy yields tangible economic gains.
The government is also eyeing fresh international markets, with Brazil and other destinations opening their doors to Nigerian shea products.
“We will no longer export poverty and import value,” Tinubu said.
“We will create value at home, compete abroad, and deliver prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
