Suspension of raw shea nut export, a win for farmers, women — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has characterized the temporary halt on raw shea nut exports as a strategic initiative to enhance Nigeria’s shea value chain, generate employment, and provide greater economic advantages for farmers, especially women.On Tuesday, the President mandated an immediate six-month moratorium on raw shea exports to reduce informal trade, enhance the utilization of domestic processors, and stabilize the industry.
This policy anticipates helping Nigeria secure greater export revenue and generating an estimated $300 million annually in the short term.
In a message posted on his official X account on Wednesday, Tinubu remarked that Nigeria must transition from exporting raw materials at low prices to locally processing them for higher profits.
The President expressed, “Nigeria’s shea is our green wealth. We contribute nearly 40% of the global supply, yet capture less than 1% of its $6.5 billion worldwide market. That disparity ends now.”
He clarified that the choice was made following the suggestions of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and is aimed at bolstering local processing while benefiting those directly engaged in the value chain.
Tinubu stated, “I have approved a six-month ban on raw shea exports, based on advice from the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, to ensure supply for domestic processors, create jobs, and safeguard a value chain where 95% of collectors are women. This is advantageous for our farmers, for our women, and for Nigeria.”
The President also mentioned that Vice President Kashim Shettima will collaborate closely with stakeholders to enhance domestic processing capacity and ensure that the policy yields long-term advantages.
Tinubu added, “VP Kashim Shettima will engage with stakeholders to swiftly increase processing capacity and guarantee that this reform leads to sustainable prosperity. With new market opportunities emerging in Brazil and other regions, we will cease to export poverty and import value. We will generate value domestically, compete internationally, and achieve prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Nigeria is the largest producer of shea nuts globally, accounting for almost 40% of total output, but has historically earned minimal returns from the $6.5 billion global shea market due to low-value raw exports.
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