Tinubu Suspends Raw Shea Exports for Six Months

President Bola Tinubu has suspended the exportation of raw Shea for six months to harness Nigeria’s natural resources.

According to the President on Wednesday, the decision is based on the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, as part of a broader effort to strengthen local processing, create jobs, and support rural women who dominate the sector.

“Nigeria’s shea is our green wealth,” Tinubu stated. “We produce nearly 40% of the world’s supply, yet capture less than 1% of its $6.5 billion global market. That imbalance ends now.”

He emphasised that the suspension will help secure raw materials for domestic processors and stimulate investment in local value addition. With approximately 95% of shea nut pickers being women, the policy is also expected to have a positive impact on female livelihoods and rural economies.

“This is a win for our farmers, for our women, and for Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

He also clarified that Vice President Kashim Shettima has been tasked with coordinating stakeholders to quickly expand processing capacity and ensure that the policy delivers tangible results.

While highlighting new market opportunities emerging in countries like Brazil, he noted that Nigeria must shift from “exporting poverty and importing value” to building local wealth.