President Bola Tinubu has imposed a six-month suspension on the export of raw shea nuts, directing producers to focus on domestic processing. The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, said the measure takes immediate effect and is intended to add value locally, boost jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial base.
The policy mirrors similar restrictions in Ghana and Burkina Faso, where governments have barred raw exports to encourage investment in processing facilities.
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Shea remains a vital crop across West Africa, supporting over 16 million women. According to WTO head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the sector already generates $237m annually in direct income. Most exports are used in cocoa butter substitutes, while about 15% feed the cosmetics industry.
Analysts expect the global shea butter market, currently valued at more than $600m, to reach $850m by 2027, offering Nigeria major growth potential.
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