The Federal Government has committed to reviewing the six-month temporary ban on raw shea nut exports, following concerns raised by stakeholders about its effects on local producers, exporters, and foreign exchange earnings.
The assurance was given by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, during a Stakeholders’ Validation Session on the Raw Shea Nut Export Ban held in Abuja on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
President Bola Tinubu imposed the ban on August 26, 2025, to curb informal trade, promote local processing into higher-value products such as shea butter, protect jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s domestic shea industry.
The policy was designed to move the country from raw material exports toward value-added exports, with earlier estimates suggesting potential annual revenue of up to $300 million from improved processing.
Oduwole stated that the ministry would prepare an objective briefing for President Tinubu based on wide-ranging consultations across the shea value chain.
She highlighted the government’s recognition of citizens’ right to earn a living and contribute to national growth, adding that formal submissions, engagement sessions, and reviewed documents would guide whether the ban is extended, deferred, or adjusted.
Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, also spoke at the session, emphasizing the need for an evidence-based, transparent review to balance industrialization objectives with protecting livelihoods and encouraging local value addition.
The validation session gathered representatives from various parts of the shea industry to discuss the ban’s implementation and impacts.
The government framed the engagement as part of its broader approach to inclusive, stakeholder-driven policymaking in the non-oil export sector.
The review comes roughly five months into the ban, amid reported challenges for industry players and growing calls for adjustments to preserve the economic value of one of Nigeria’s major agricultural exports.
The ministry’s forthcoming recommendations to the presidency will shape the next steps for the policy.
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