Tinubu Halts Export Of Raw Shea Nuts, Orders Value Addition At Home

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts as part of measures to boost local processing and value addition in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The order, which takes effect at once, was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.

According to the statement, Vice-President Kashim Shettima is presiding over a high-level implementation meeting with key stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

Although details of the policy framework are still being worked out, presidency sources said the move is aimed at repositioning the shea industry for global competitiveness, creating jobs for Nigerians and discouraging the export of raw produce without commensurate benefit to the economy.

The shea sector, which employs millions across Nigeria, has long been dominated by raw exports, denying the country the revenue and industrial growth that comes with processing the nuts into butter and other derivatives.

Analysts see the directive as part of the administration’s broader economic reform agenda anchored on encouraging local manufacturing, boosting non-oil exports, and shoring up foreign exchange earnings.

The Vice President’s parley with industry players, it was learnt, is expected to produce timelines, enforcement mechanisms and incentives for processors to take advantage of the new policy direction.

Further details of the ban and its implementation modalities are expected to be released in the coming days.