Tinubu Extends Ban on Raw Shea Nut Export for One Year

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 approval, disclosed on February 25, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reinforces the administration’s commitment to accelerating industrial development, promoting domestic value addition, and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the statement, the extension is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s local processing capacity, improving livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and boosting export earnings through value-added products rather than raw commodity sales.

To ensure effective implementation, President Tinubu has directed the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to coordinate a unified, evidence-based national framework. The framework is expected to harmonise industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities along the shea nut value chain.

The President also approved the adoption of an export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and ordered the withdrawal of all existing waivers that permitted the direct export of raw shea nuts.

Under the new directive, any surplus raw shea nuts must be exported strictly through the NCX framework and in line with approved guidelines.

In addition, President Tinubu 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 expanding production and processing capacity in the shea sector.

Shea nuts, harvested from the shea tree commonly found across Nigeria’s Savanna belt, serve as the primary raw material for shea butter. The butter is widely valued for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and is used extensively in cosmetics for skin and hair care, as well as in edible cooking oil production. Processed shea butter commands between 10 and 20 times the market value of raw nuts.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to policies that promote inclusive growth, strengthen local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global agricultural value chains.