By Rafiyat Sadiq
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of raw shea butter nut exports for six months, declaring that Nigeria must stop exporting poverty and start creating wealth locally.
The president, in a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday, said the decision was part of his administration’s effort to strengthen local production and boost value addition in the agricultural sector.
Nigeria’s Green Wealth
Tinubu described shea as Nigeria’s “green wealth”, noting that the country produces nearly 40 per cent of the world’s supply but captures less than one per cent of the global $6.5 billion market.
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“That imbalance ends now,” he said. “I have approved a six-month suspension of raw shea exports, on the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, to secure supply for local processors, create jobs, and protect a value chain where 95 per cent of pickers are women.”
Focus on Farmers and Women
The president stressed that the suspension would not only empower farmers but also protect the livelihood of thousands of rural women involved in the shea value chain.
“This is a win for our farmers, for our women, and for Nigeria,” he added.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been directed to work with stakeholders to expand Nigeria’s shea processing capacity during the suspension period. The aim, according to the presidency, is to ensure that the reform leads to sustainable economic prosperity.
Competing Globally
Tinubu also highlighted that new market opportunities were opening in Brazil and other parts of the world, and Nigeria must position itself to compete effectively.
“With new market access opening in Brazil and beyond, we will no longer export poverty and import value. We will create value at home, compete abroad, and deliver prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he declared.
