Tinubu Extends Raw Shea Nuts Export Ban to 2027 to Boost Nigeria’s Processing Industry
President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, effective from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. The announcement, made by the President’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga in Abuja, emphasizes the government’s commitment to strengthening domestic value addition in Nigeria’s shea industry. The policy seeks to reposition the sector for higher international earnings through processed shea products rather than raw exports.
According to the Presidency, the renewed ban is designed to stimulate local manufacturing, create jobs, and increase incomes in shea-producing communities. The directive aligns with broader efforts to transform Nigeria’s agricultural commodities into higher-value export products. “The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement said.
The policy is not entirely new. In August 2025, President Tinubu first introduced a six-month temporary ban on raw shea nut exports to curb informal trade and protect investments by local processors. While some stakeholders in the non-oil export sector expressed concerns over potential foreign exchange losses and supply chain disruptions, the government promised to review the policy based on consultations—a process that has now led to this latest extension.
To ensure smooth implementation, the President has directed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit to develop a unified national framework for the shea value chain. All existing waivers for direct export of raw shea nuts have been revoked, and exports must now go through the Nigerian Commodity Exchange framework. Additionally, a Livelihood Finance Mechanism will support operators in improving production efficiency and global competitiveness.
Shea nuts, harvested primarily from Nigeria’s savanna belt, are a key raw material for industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, confectionery, and edible oils. Processed shea butter commands much higher prices in international markets than raw nuts, making local processing a potential driver for jobs and economic growth in producing communities. Since the policy’s introduction, it has generated debate within the non-oil export sector, but the government remains steadfast in prioritizing industrial development and value-added exports.
source: nairametrics