President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for another year, reaffirming his administration’s push for industrialisation and value addition in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The extension takes effect from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027, and is aimed at strengthening domestic processing capacity, enhancing livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promoting exports of finished products rather than raw commodities.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, the decision underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development and delivering on the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ban is designed to deepen Nigeria’s shea processing capacity and ensure that greater economic value is retained within the country.
To achieve this, President Tinubu has authorised the two ministers in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, alongside the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit, PFSCU, to coordinate the implementation of a unified, evidence-based national framework aligning industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.
The President also approved the adoption of an export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange, NCX and ordered the withdrawal of all waivers previously granted for the direct export of raw shea nuts.
He directed that any excess supply of raw shea nuts must be exported exclusively through the NCX framework in line with approved guidelines.
In addition, President Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated NESS Support Window. This will enable the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at strengthening production and processing capacity within the sector.
Shea nuts, oil-rich fruits from the shea tree commonly found in Nigeria’s savanna belt, serve as the primary raw material for shea butter, a key ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and edible oils.
The Federal Government notes that processed shea butter can fetch between 10 and 20 times the price of raw nuts in international markets.
The administration maintains that the extension of the ban is part of broader efforts to promote inclusive growth, support local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global agricultural value chains.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
