The Tinubu Stakeholder Forum (TSF) has described President Bola Tinubu’s temporary ban on the export of shea nut as a game-changer that will reposition Nigeria as a global leader in value-added exports.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Danjuma Sada, it noted that the policy will not only boost shea butter processing but will also
ensure improved foreign exchange earnings.
The statement read in part, “This policy, conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a multi-stakeholder meeting in Abuja, demonstrates the President’s leadership attributes of being immediate, practical, and pragmatic in action.
”This is because Nigeria has for years been the world’s largest producer of shea nuts, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of global output, yet our nation captures less than one per cent of the $6.5 billion global shea nuts market.
”Despite a production belt covering more than 12 states and producing an estimated 350,000 metric tonnes annually (with potential to reach 900,000 MT), local processors have consistently operated below capacity due to raw material shortages and uncontrolled informal exports.
”The Rapid Assessment of the Shea value chain conducted by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) revealed that over 90,000 metric tonnes of raw shea are lost each year through informal cross-border trade, translating to more than $100 million (₦153.88 billion) in lost value annually.
”This undermines processors, who currently operate at only 35 to 50 % capacity despite a national installed processing capacity of 160,000 MT.
”President Tinubu’s directive directly addresses this leakage. By securing domestic supply, the ban will enable processors to operate at full capacity, expand production of refined shea butter, olein, and stearin, and reposition Nigeria as a competitive exporter of value-added shea products.
”The timing is also strategic. The recent commissioning of Africa’s largest shea butter refinery in Niger State, with a 30,000 MT annual capacity and expansion plans of up to 400 MT per day, signals Nigeria’s readiness to absorb raw nuts and drive value-added exports.
”NEXIM Bank’s financing of this project, along with its plans to support at least four additional refineries, will significantly expand Nigeria’s footprint in global markets.
”The social impact is equally significant as more than 90% of shea pickers and processors are women in rural communities. Industrialising the sector will empower millions of women, create over 500,000 jobs, and transform rural livelihoods.
”As Vice President Shettima emphasised, this is not an anti-trade policy but a pro-value addition strategy rooted in industrialisation, rural transformation, gender empowerment, and global trade expansion.
”We therefore commend this decisive policy as a bold corrective step to reclaim lost value, diversify the economy, and position Nigeria as a dominant player in the global shea industry.
TSF also urged all relevant government agencies, state governments, and private sector players to take steps to align with the presidential directive to fast-track Nigeria’s transition into a global shea powerhouse.
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