The Federal Government has commenced a review of the temporary restriction on raw shea nut exports as it weighs the policy’s economic impact and future direction.
President Bola Tinubu had on August 26, 2025, approved a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts to encourage local processing, boost value addition and create jobs within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. With the measure approaching its expiration, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment says it will submit a detailed briefing to guide the President’s decision.
Speaking at a stakeholder validation session in Abuja, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the review would reflect the input of all players in the shea value chain, from rural women pickers to processors and exporters.
“We have women from Nassarawa, we have large processors, we have smaller processors, we have the pickers, the entire value chain, the aggregators, the exporters, It’s important that we balance the nuances of industrialization, of trading, and of course of bringing in investment to hit the $1 trillion economy.
“Mr. President has entrusted us with item number 7 in the Renewed Hope Agenda, of diversifying this economy, of increasing non-oil exports, of moving industrialization.
“These are things that sometimes appear to be in conflict with each other, but in actuality there is no conflict, because as Nigerians we all have one single goal, to make our economy grow, to bring prosperity to our people,” Oduwole said.
The minister noted that the policy must align with the administration’s broader economic reform programme, the Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets diversification and a $1 trillion economy.
Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, argued for sustaining the restriction, citing indications that domestic processing capacity has improved since its introduction. He disclosed that prospective investors are in discussions to establish shea processing plants locally but are seeking clarity on the government’s next move.
“As Minister in charge of industry, there are people who want to set up processing plants who are in touch with me, but they are anxious about what is going to happen after the expiration of the ban.
“If they don’t find anything more, they will come here and set up processing plants. That is the way things work,” because the processor who sets up a plant is providing job employment opportunities. And that is key for this administration,” he said.
Also speaking, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the need for an objective assessment of the policy’s impact.
”The government is not out there to punish its people, it’s out there to make lives worthwhile, improve livelihoods of people,” he said.
Stakeholders across the sector are expected to submit position papers outlining the economic and social implications of the ban as government decides whether to extend, amend or lift the restriction.
