Nigeria’s ambition to dominate the global shea industry has taken a significant leap forward with President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to temporarily halt the export of raw shea nuts. This strategic move, announced by Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris, signifies a decisive shift from being a mere supplier of raw materials to becoming a leading producer of high-value shea products. The suspension aims to stimulate local processing, thereby unlocking the immense economic potential of the shea sector, particularly in rural communities where shea trees thrive. This initiative is not an isolated policy experiment but rather a cornerstone of the Tinubu administration’s broader economic renewal agenda, emphasizing national re-orientation, inclusivity, and accountability.
The temporary export ban is projected to have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s shea industry. By encouraging domestic processing, the policy will stimulate investment in local processing facilities, promote technology transfer within the sector, and significantly expand Nigeria’s processing capacity. This, in turn, is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth in rural areas, who are traditionally involved in shea nut collection and processing. Increased domestic processing will also boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, as the country moves from exporting low-value raw materials to higher-value finished products. Furthermore, this policy shift will strengthen Nigeria’s integration into global value chains, enhancing its competitiveness in the international shea market.
Niger State, a major shea-producing region in Nigeria, is poised to be one of the primary beneficiaries of this transformative policy. The state’s shea industry will witness increased investment, leading to the establishment of more processing plants and the creation of numerous jobs. This localized development will contribute to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods within the state. The National Shea Products Association of Nigeria has expressed strong support for this policy direction, recognizing its potential to revolutionize the shea industry. The government, in turn, has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive environment for the shea industry to flourish, providing the necessary support and incentives to facilitate its growth.
The temporary suspension of raw shea exports aligns with the Tinubu administration’s overarching economic renewal strategy, which prioritizes national re-orientation, inclusivity, and accountability. This strategy seeks to instill a new sense of national purpose, promote economic inclusion by empowering marginalized communities, and ensure transparency and accountability in governance. The shea initiative exemplifies this approach by focusing on developing local capacity, creating opportunities in rural areas, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Minister Idris underscored the crucial role of ethical leadership and accountability in driving national development, emphasizing that these principles are essential for unlocking Nigeria’s full potential. He highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline, enhance digital transformation, expand infrastructure, and empower the youth, showcasing these as key indicators of progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Specific infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Superhighway, the Badagry–Sokoto Superhighway, and the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor, were mentioned as examples of the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across the country.
Furthermore, the government’s focus on improving fiscal transparency through platforms like the Treasury Single Account and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System was highlighted as a crucial step towards enhancing accountability. Nigeria’s improved ranking on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, moving from 145th in 2023 to 140th in 2024, was cited as evidence of the positive impact of these reforms. The minister called on professionals, including accountants, to actively support the national re-orientation drive, emphasizing their role in promoting ethical practices and fostering a culture of accountability. This collective effort, he argued, is essential for achieving sustainable national development and securing a prosperous future for Nigeria. The six-month ban on raw shea exports, approved in August 2025 and subject to review, aims to curtail informal trade, bolster local processors, and reposition Nigeria’s shea industry for greater value addition. This temporary measure, as explained by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is anticipated to significantly enhance the shea value chain, potentially generating up to $300 million annually in the short term. This underscores the significant economic potential of the shea industry and the government’s commitment to maximizing its contribution to national development.
