The Nigerian Government has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for another year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027, reinforcing push for industrial growth and value addition.
By sustaining the restriction, the administration of President Bola Tinubu aims to deepen in-country processing of shea nuts, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the export of higher-value Nigerian products.
To ensure effective implementation, the President has authorised the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, alongside the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to coordinate a unified, evidence-based national framework.
The framework is designed to align industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.
President Tinubu also approved the adoption of an export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and directed the withdrawal of all existing waivers that permitted the direct export of raw shea nuts.
Under the new directive, any excess supply of raw shea nuts may only be exported through the NCX framework and in strict compliance with the approved guidelines.
Additionally, the President has instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance to facilitate 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, harvested from the shea tree widely found in Nigeria’s Savannah belt, serve as the primary raw material for shea butter—an oil-rich product valued globally for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Shea butter is extensively used in cosmetics for skin and hair care, as well as in edible cooking oil production.
The Federal Government notes that processed shea butter commands between 10 and 20 times the price of raw nuts, underscoring the economic rationale for promoting local value addition.
A statement issued by
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy), explained that the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to policies that drive inclusive growth, stimulate local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global agricultural value chains.
