Tinubu Extends Ban on Raw Shea Nut Exports to 2027

On February 26, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts until February 25, 2027. This decision underscores the administration's commitment to advancing industrial development and strengthening domestic value addition.

The ban aims to deepen processing capacity within Nigeria, enhance the livelihoods of shea-producing communities, and promote growth in Nigerian exports. President Tinubu authorized the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Presidential Food Security Coordinating Unit to implement a unified evidence-based national framework that aligns industrial, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.

The approval also includes the adoption of an export framework to establish the Nigerian Commodity Exchange, which will withdraw waivers allowing direct exports of raw shea nuts. The federal government encourages local processing of shea nuts, as processed shea butter can fetch 10 to 20 times the price of raw nuts.