President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a temporary suspension on the export of unprocessed shea nuts, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial sectors. The directive, announced on Tuesday by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, takes immediate effect and is expected to reshape the country’s approach to one of its key agricultural commodities.
Kyari explained that the policy is designed to encourage value addition within Nigeria by promoting local processing of shea nuts into butter and other derivatives. According to him, this will help develop the agro-industrial sector, create more employment opportunities, and ensure that the nation retains higher economic value from its agricultural resources. “Nigeria stands to benefit more if our shea nuts are processed at home rather than exported raw,” Kyari said.
The decision aligns with a growing regional trend across West Africa, where major shea-producing countries such as Ghana and Burkina Faso have implemented similar restrictions. By curbing raw exports, these countries have sought to stimulate domestic industries, enhance competitiveness in global markets, and increase foreign exchange earnings from processed shea products.
Nigeria, one of the world’s largest producers of shea nuts, has long faced criticism for exporting the commodity in raw form while importing processed derivatives at higher costs. Industry experts believe that Tinubu’s directive could mark a turning point, allowing local processors to expand capacity and positioning the country as a leading hub for shea-based exports.
With global demand for shea butter surging—particularly in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries—the suspension is seen as a strategic step to ensure Nigeria secures a greater share of the international market. Analysts note, however, that the success of the policy will depend on government support for processors, infrastructure development, and access to finance for local businesses.
