President Tinubu Extends Ban On Raw Shea Nut Exports To 2027
President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for one year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.
The presidency announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday,February 25.
The extension comes a few hours to the expiration of the six-month ban, which came into effect on August 26, 2025.
In the statement released, Bayo Onanuga who is the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said the move underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.
“The ban aims to deepen processing capacity within Nigeria, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the growth of Nigerian exports anchored on value-added products,” the statement reads.
“To further these objectives, President Tinubu has authorised the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to coordinate the implementation of a unified, evidence-based national framework that aligns industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.”
Onanuga said President Tinubu approved the adoption of an export framework established by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and the withdrawal of all waivers allowing the direct export of raw shea nuts.
He said the president also directed that any excess supply of raw shea nuts should be exported exclusively through the NCX framework, in accordance with the approved guidelines.
“Additionally, he directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated NESS Support Window to enable the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism to strengthen production and processing capacity,” Onanuga said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended Nigeria’s ban on the export of raw shea nuts to 2027, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to boosting local processing, industrial growth, and value addition within the country. The decision, announced as part of broader economic reforms, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agro-industrial base and ensuring that the country benefits more substantially from its abundant natural resources.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive underscores a strategic shift toward promoting domestic industries rather than exporting unprocessed agricultural commodities. Nigeria is one of the largest producers of shea nuts globally, with vast shea tree belts stretching across states such as Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Oyo, and Benue. Shea butter, derived from shea nuts, is widely used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, confectionery, and food industries around the world. However, for decades, much of Nigeria’s shea production has been exported in raw form, limiting the country’s earnings and job creation potential.
The export ban, first introduced to stimulate local processing, prevents the shipment of unprocessed shea nuts out of the country. By extending the restriction until 2027, the Tinubu administration hopes to consolidate gains made so far while giving investors and processors greater confidence to expand operations. Industry stakeholders say the move is designed to curb the practice of exporting low-value raw materials while importing higher-value finished products at premium prices.
According to government officials, the policy aligns with Nigeria’s broader industrialization agenda, which prioritizes backward integration and domestic manufacturing. By ensuring that shea nuts are processed locally into shea butter and other derivatives, the country stands to increase export revenues, create jobs for rural women and youth, and enhance foreign exchange earnings. The shea sector is particularly significant for women in rural communities, many of whom are engaged in the collection and initial processing of shea nuts. Strengthening the value chain is expected to improve their incomes and livelihoods.
Economic analysts note that Nigeria has historically faced challenges related to overdependence on crude oil exports. Diversifying into agro-processing is seen as a sustainable pathway for long-term growth. The global demand for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients has risen sharply in recent years, positioning shea butter as a high-value commodity. With proper investment in processing facilities, quality control, and export standards, Nigeria could capture a larger share of the international shea butter market.
However, the extension of the ban has also generated debate among exporters and traders who rely on the raw shea nut trade. Some argue that inadequate local processing capacity could lead to supply bottlenecks and income losses if processors are unable to absorb all harvested nuts. Others raise concerns about enforcement challenges, including the risk of smuggling across porous borders.
In response, government representatives have emphasized the need for stronger regulatory oversight and increased support for processors. Plans reportedly include facilitating access to credit for small and medium-scale enterprises, encouraging public-private partnerships, and investing in modern processing equipment. By improving infrastructure and ensuring stable policies, authorities believe the sector can thrive under the extended ban.
Stakeholders in the manufacturing and cosmetics industries have largely welcomed the decision, describing it as a bold step toward economic transformation. They argue that consistent policy implementation will attract foreign direct investment and enable Nigeria to compete more effectively with other major shea-producing countries in West Africa.
As the 2027 timeline approaches, the success of the extended ban will likely depend on how effectively the government balances regulation with industry support. If implemented strategically, the policy could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to transition from a raw commodity exporter to a value-added production hub. Ultimately, President Tinubu’s extension of the raw shea nut export ban signals a long-term vision centered on industrial development, economic diversification, and inclusive growth for millions of Nigerians.
