President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed a six-month ban on the export of raw shea, following the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit. The move aims to ensure adequate supply for local processors, boost job creation, and safeguard a value chain in which women make up 95% of the pickers.
President Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria, which accounts for nearly 40% of global shea production but earns less than 1% of the $6.5 billion global market, is set to reverse this imbalance through bold reforms.
“I have approved a six-month suspension of raw shea exports, on the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, to secure supply for local processors, create jobs, and protect a value chain where 95% of pickers are women,” Tinubu announced in a post on his verified X handle.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been tasked by the president with working closely with stakeholders to expand local processing capacity, ensuring that the new policy delivers long-term prosperity.
With fresh trade opportunities emerging in Brazil and other markets, the government emphasized that Nigeria will no longer “export poverty and import value.” Instead, the focus will be on creating value domestically, competing globally, and driving inclusive growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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