In a bid to boost local processing and add value to its agricultural products, the Federal Government has imposed an immediate, temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts.
The directive, signed by President Bola Tinubu, aims to promote domestic processing and increase export revenues by focusing on processed rather than raw products.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Abubakar Kyari, announced on Tuesday the ban, saying the measure reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial base.
“The ban takes effect immediately and is designed to promote local processing and add value within the country,” Kyari said.
He added that this step aligns with similar efforts in other African countries, such as Ghana and Burkina Faso, where phased or indefinite bans on raw shea nut exports have been implemented to boost domestic processing capacity and create jobs in the industry.
The shea nut industry is a significant source of livelihood for millions of women in West Africa.
According to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), over 16 million women in the region make a living from farming and processing shea nuts.
The ban on raw shea nut exports is expected to empower these women by creating more opportunities for local processing and value addition.
Persecondnews reports that the global shea butter market is projected to reach $850 million by 2027, driven by increasing demand.
With 85% of shea exports used as cocoa butter equivalence and 15% for cosmetics, Nigeria’s shea industry holds vast potential.
The cosmetics segment alone is valued at over $600 million, offering a lucrative opportunity for Nigeria to boost export earnings through value-added shea products.
By processing shea nuts locally, Nigeria can tap into this growing market and maximize its economic benefits.
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