By our reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts from Nigeria. The move is aimed at curbing informal trade, promoting local processing, and strengthening the country’s position in the global shea market.
Government officials say the ban will help reduce unregulated cross-border trade, which has led to revenue losses and limited control over quality standards. By halting raw exports, the administration intends to direct more raw materials to local processors, encouraging value addition and the production of refined products like shea butter and oil.
Nigeria, despite being one of the world’s leading producers of shea nuts, earns little from the international market due to its focus on exporting unprocessed nuts. The ban is expected to stimulate investment in domestic processing, create jobs, and enhance export earnings through finished goods.
While the decision has raised concerns among exporters and rural traders, many stakeholders in the shea industry see it as a step in the right direction. The government plans to assess the impact of the ban after six months to determine the next course of action.
