Tinubu imposes 6-month ban on shea nuts export

President Bola Tinubu has approved a 6-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts to curb informal trade, boost local processing, protect and grow Nigeria’s shea industry.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the president’s directive during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

The ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration.

It is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s shea value chain to generate around 300 million dollars annually in the short term.

Shettima explained that the ban was a collective decision involving the sub-nationals and the federal government with clear directions for economic transformation in the overall interest of the nation.

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He, therefore, called on the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies to fast-track enforcement.

The vice president said the decision was not “an anti-trade policy” but a pro-value addition policy designed to secure raw materials for  processing factories.

Shettima added that the decision would  enable industries run at full capacity thereby boosting rural income and jobs for our people.

”The decision will transform Nigeria from an exporter of raw shea nut to a global supplier of refined shea butter, oil and other derivatives,” Shettima stated.

The Star