Nigeria bans export of raw shea nuts for six months

Published: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 4:30 pm

Nigeria Implements Export Ban on Raw Shea Nuts to Boost Local Industry

Nigeria has implemented a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts, aiming to revitalize the shea butter industry and increase the nation's global market share. The decision, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeks to transform Nigeria from a raw material exporter to a producer of refined shea butter, oil, and other derivatives.

Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the ban's multifaceted goals, including industrialization, rural transformation, gender empowerment, and expanding Nigeria's global trade presence. The move is intended to secure raw materials for local processing factories, enabling them to operate at full capacity and generate more jobs and income in rural communities.

Shea nuts are a key ingredient in beauty creams and certain sweets. Despite producing nearly 40% of the world's shea product, Nigeria currently holds only a 1% share of the $6.5 billion global market. The government hopes the ban will significantly increase earnings from the shea nut trade, projecting a rise from $65 million to $300 million annually.

Agriculture experts, like Ahmed Ismail, believe the ban will address the exploitation of farmers in central Nigeria, who often sell their harvest at low prices to visiting businessmen. The ban is expected to provide more jobs locally and increase government revenue.

BNN's Perspective: While the ban on raw shea nut exports presents a bold strategy to boost Nigeria's economy and empower local communities, its success hinges on effective implementation and support for local processing facilities. The government must ensure that the transition is smooth, and that farmers are fairly compensated for their produce. Careful monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to determine the ban's long-term impact on the industry and the livelihoods of those involved.

Keywords: Nigeria, shea nuts, export ban, shea butter, industrialization, rural transformation, global trade, value addition, agriculture, economy, jobs, income, farmers

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