|By Babatunji Wusu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for another year, reinforcing his administration’s push to deepen local processing and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
The renewed restriction takes effect from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the measure forms part of broader economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu said the extension underscores his administration’s resolve to accelerate industrial development, drive domestic value addition, and reposition Nigeria as a competitive exporter of processed goods rather than raw commodities.
He stressed that the ban will expand local processing capacity, boost incomes in shea-producing communities, and promote exports anchored on value-added products. By restricting raw exports, the government aims to stimulate investments in shea butter production and related industries across the Savanna belt where the crop thrives.
Beyond extending the ban, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU) to coordinate a unified, evidence-based national framework. The framework is expected to align industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.
Tinubu also approved the adoption of an export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and ordered the immediate withdrawal of all waivers that previously allowed direct export of raw shea nuts.
Under the new directive, any surplus raw shea nuts must be exported strictly through the NCX framework and in line with approved guidelines, effectively centralising and regulating the trade.
To further strengthen the sector, the President instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated NESS Support Window. This facility will enable the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism designed to expand production and enhance processing capacity nationwide.
Shea nuts, harvested from the shea tree commonly found in Nigeria’s Savanna belt, serve as the primary raw material for shea butter. The butter is widely valued for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It remains a critical ingredient in cosmetics for skin and hair, as well as in edible cooking oil production.
With the extended ban and tighter export controls, the Federal Government is positioning Nigeria to capture more value within the shea supply chain and reduce the long-standing dependence on exporting unprocessed agricultural commodities.
