President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month suspension on the export of raw shea nuts.
The directive, announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja, is aimed at reviving Nigeria’s shea value chain and unlocking up to $300 million in short-term earnings.
“This is not an anti-trade policy but a pro-value addition policy,” Shettima said. “The goal is to supply our factories with raw materials, run them at full capacity, and create jobs for our people.”
Nigeria produces nearly 40% of global shea but earns less than 1% of the $6.5 billion global market.
*“That is unacceptable,” Shettima declared. “By 2027, we target a ten-fold increase in earnings.”
From Raw Export to Refined Wealth
The ban is expected to transform Nigeria from a raw exporter into a global supplier of refined shea butter, oil, and derivatives.
Shettima revealed that agreements with Brazil will fast-track market access for Nigerian shea products within three months.
The shea industry sustains millions of rural women, who make up over 90% of pickers and processors.
“By protecting the shea industry, we are protecting livelihoods, dignity, and opportunities for women,” Shettima said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the move was long overdue.
Nigeria produces around 500,000 metric tonnes of shea annually across 30 states, with potential to reach 900,000 tonnes.
Yet processors operate at only 35–50% capacity due to raw exports and informal cross-border trade.
*“We have five million hectares of wild shea trees. With the right investment, Nigeria can dominate the global shea economy,” Kyari said.
Global Demand, Local Opportunity
Nigerian shea nuts are prized globally, especially in cosmetics and food.
Major importers include the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, Poland, and Russia.
But raw exports attract minimal value. Refined shea butter fetches far higher prices.
The shea tree takes 11–15 years to bear fruit but can remain productive for over 200 years.
States like Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Nasarawa, and Kogi lead production.
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