Abuja, February 25, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, reinforcing the Federal Government’s push to strengthen local processing and industrial development.
The renewed ban will take effect from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027, according to a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday.
The extension, the statement said, aligns with the administration’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at boosting domestic value addition, expanding manufacturing capacity, and increasing export earnings from processed agricultural products.
Focus on Local Processing
The government said the policy is intended to deepen Nigeria’s shea processing capacity, improve livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and encourage exports of higher-value shea products rather than raw materials.
Shea nuts, harvested from shea trees predominantly found in Nigeria’s savanna belt, are processed into shea butter — a product widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as cooking oil. According to government estimates, processed shea butter can fetch between 10 and 20 times the price of raw nuts in international markets.
Coordinated Implementation Framework
President Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, alongside the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to oversee the implementation of a unified national framework for the shea value chain. The framework is expected to align industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities.
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 previously allowed direct export of raw shea nuts.
Under the new directive, any surplus raw shea nuts must be exported exclusively through the NCX framework and in line with approved guidelines.
Financial Support Mechanism
In addition, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated NESS Support Window. The funding mechanism will enable the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism designed to strengthen production and processing capacity within the sector.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to policies that promote inclusive economic growth, support local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global agricultural value chains.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
