Abuja, August 27, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a six-month suspension of raw shea exports as part of bold reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria to fully benefit from the global shea industry, valued at $6.5 billion.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President described shea as “Nigeria’s green wealth,” noting that while the country accounts for nearly 40 percent of global production, it captures less than one percent of the market value. He said the suspension, recommended by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, is designed to secure raw materials for local processors, create jobs, and strengthen a value chain dominated by women.
“This is a win for our farmers, for our women, and for Nigeria,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing that about 95 percent of shea pickers are women whose livelihoods stand to benefit directly from the policy shift.
The President disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead engagements with industry stakeholders to rapidly expand domestic processing capacity and ensure that the reform translates into sustainable prosperity.
Highlighting new export opportunities emerging in Brazil and other markets, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria would no longer “export poverty and import value.” Instead, the country will focus on creating value locally, competing globally, and securing prosperity for citizens under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The decision has been welcomed by agribusiness stakeholders and women-led cooperatives, who say the move could transform Nigeria from a raw commodity exporter into a leading global player in the lucrative shea products market.
