AWC Statehouse Desk
Abuja, February 26, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for another one year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.
The decision, announced in a State House press release, underscores the administration’s commitment to industrial development, domestic value addition, and the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Boosting Local Processing and Value Addition
The ban is designed to deepen Nigeria’s processing capacity within the shea value chain, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the export of value-added products rather than unprocessed raw materials.
To strengthen implementation, President Tinubu authorised the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU) to coordinate a unified, evidence-based national framework aligning industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea sector.
The President also approved the adoption of an export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX), alongside the withdrawal of all waivers that previously allowed the direct export of raw shea nuts.
Under the new directive, any excess supply of raw shea nuts must be exported exclusively through the NCX framework in line with approved guidelines.
Financial Support for Producers
Additionally, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated NESS Support Window. This will enable the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at strengthening production and processing capacity within the sector.
Economic Significance of Shea
Shea nuts, harvested from the shea tree commonly found in Nigeria’s savanna belt, are the primary raw material for shea butter. The butter is widely used in cosmetics for skin and hair care due to its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and also serves as an ingredient in edible cooking oil.
Government officials note that processed shea butter commands between 10 and 20 times the price of raw nuts, reinforcing the economic rationale for encouraging domestic processing.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to policies that promote inclusive growth, local manufacturing, and Nigeria’s competitiveness in global agricultural value chains.
