Tinubu approves 6-month ban on raw shea nut exports to boost Nigeria’s $300 million shea industry

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts in Nigeria to boost the country's $300 million shea industry. The ban, effective immediately, aims to promote local processing, protect and grow the shea industry, and generate annual revenue.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the directive, emphasizing its goal to transform Nigeria from an exporter of raw shea nuts to a global supplier of refined shea butter and oil derivatives. Despite being one of the largest producers of shea nuts globally, Nigeria only holds a 1% market share in the industry.

The ban is part of a collective decision by the Federal Government to drive economic transformation, gender empowerment, and job creation. The move also seeks to address informal trade practices and increase domestic processing capacity to boost rural income and employment opportunities.