President Tinubu Approves Extension Of Raw Shea Nut Export Ban
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, effective from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.
The decision reflects the administration’s commitment to industrial development, boosting domestic value addition, and advancing the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ban is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s processing capacity, improve livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the growth of export-oriented, value-added products.
To support these goals, President Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to implement a unified, evidence-based national framework. This framework will align industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.
He has also approved the adoption of an export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and mandated the withdrawal of all waivers that previously allowed direct export of raw shea nuts. Any surplus supply must now be exported exclusively through the NCX framework, in line with the approved guidelines.
Furthermore, the President instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated NESS Support Window. This will enable the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at strengthening production and processing capacity.
Shea Nuts—The Oil-Rich Fruits Of The Shea Tree, Found Across Nigeria’s Savanna Belt—Are The Primary Raw Material For Shea Butter. Widely Known For Its Moisturizing, Anti-Inflammatory, And Antioxidant Properties, Shea Butter Is A Key Ingredient In Cosmetics For Skin And Hair, As Well As Edible Cooking Oil. The Federal Government Encourages Local Processing Of Shea Nuts Into Butter, Which Can Command 10 To 20 Times The Value Of Raw Nuts.
The Federal Government Remains Committed To Policies That Promote Inclusive Growth, Enhance Local Manufacturing, And Position Nigeria As A Competitive Player In Global Agricultural Value Chains.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser To The President
(Information And Strategy)