President Bola Tinubu has issued a six-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts, effective immediately, subject to review upon expiration. The ban aims to boost local processing, curb informal trade, and protect Nigeria’s shea industry. This move is expected to increase domestic processing to generate around $300 million annually and benefit millions of women involved in the shea industry. Nigeria produces nearly 40% of global shea nuts but captures less than 1% of the $6.5 billion global market. The policy shift aims to transition from exporting raw shea nuts to processing them locally for higher returns, creating jobs and ensuring greater economic benefits for farmers.
