Tinubu extends raw shea nut export ban for another year

PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the continuation of the ban on exporting raw shea nuts, effective from February 26, 2026, through February 25, 2027.

A statement shared on X by Special Adviser to the President, Mr Bayo Onanuga, noted that the move reflects the administration’s focus on industrial growth, value addition, and the objectives outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The renewed restriction is intended to boost local processing capacity, improve income for communities engaged in shea production, and expand Nigeria’s export portfolio by promoting value-added shea products.

To implement this policy, President Tinubu has tasked the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, together with the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to oversee a coordinated, data-driven national framework. This framework is designed to harmonise industrial, trade, and investment strategies along the shea nut value chain.

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In line with this initiative, he approved the use of an export system managed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and revoked all prior waivers that permitted direct exports of raw shea nuts. Any surplus production is now required to be exported exclusively under the NCX guidelines.

The president also directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide a dedicated NESS Support Window, enabling the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to trial a Livelihood Finance Mechanism. This initiative aims to strengthen both production and local processing capacities.

Shea nuts, the oil-rich fruit of trees commonly found in Nigeria’s Savanna belt, are primarily processed into shea butter, which is valued for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The butter is widely used in cosmetics for skin and hair care, as well as in edible cooking oils. Local processing is encouraged as shea butter commands prices 10 to 20 times higher than raw nuts.

Mr Onanuga emphasised that “the federal government remains committed to policies that encourage inclusive growth, strengthen local manufacturing, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global agricultural value chains.”

This extension follows an initial six-month export ban imposed in August 2025, which sought to stimulate domestic processing, expand non-oil exports, and enhance the shea nut sector’s overall value.