The Federal Government has declared that its policy to restrict the export of raw shea nuts is a deliberate course of action, as the nation doubles down on efforts to process more of what it produces and retain greater value within the country.
Minister Reaffirms Commitment at Global Conference
Speaking at the 18th Global Shea Alliance Annual Conference in Accra, Ghana, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, reaffirmed Nigeria's resolve to move beyond raw material exports and become a global hub for shea processing and innovation. Senator Enoh, who joined the Vice President of Ghana, Her Excellency Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, alongside stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, noted that Nigeria's strategic policy shift is already yielding tangible results.
Background of the Ban
Recall that the Federal Government initially banned the export of raw shea nuts in August 2025 for six months before extending the restriction for another year in February 2026, as part of efforts to encourage local processing and deepen value addition within the sector.
"Nigeria produces a significant share of the world's shea nuts, but for too long, we have earned far less than the true value of what we produce. That is changing. Our government has taken deliberate steps to encourage local processing instead of exporting raw materials. As a country, we are putting systems in place to improve quality, ensure traceability, and support women, who make up the majority of the workforce in this sector," the Minister said.
Policy Irreversible
Senator Enoh emphasized that the administration's position on the shea ban is firm and irreversible, designed to break the cycle of exporting jobs and wealth overseas. "The continued expansion of the global shea market during the rising demand for natural and sustainable products presents Africa with a unique opportunity to capture greater value. Nigeria's immediate priority is to significantly expand local processing capacity and increase export earnings. Nigeria is ready to play with our fellow West African and African countries, working collaboratively with all stakeholders to unlock the full economic potential of the shared sector for the benefit of our people and the continent," he declared.
Nigerians Elected to Global Leadership
The conference also witnessed the emergence of a Nigerian, the Chief Executive Officer of Salid Agricultural Ltd., Ali Saidu, as President of the Global Shea Alliance Executive Committee, alongside the inauguration of Amaka Kolawole, Director of Business Development and Corporate Affairs at AAK; Mohammed Kontagora, President of NASPAN; and Yosola Onanuga, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, all Nigerians as members of the Executive Committee.
High-Level Delegation and Bilateral Meetings
The high-level Nigerian delegation, led by Senator Enoh and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, also held bilateral meetings with the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, where discussions focused on regional collaboration, agro-industrial development, trade partnerships, and strengthening backward integration across the African shea value chain. The delegation included key public and private sector stakeholders such as the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi; the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank; and representatives from major private sector operators within the shea industry.
Results Already Visible
According to the Minister, the policy approach is already delivering results, with increased local processing capacity, better returns for farmers, and growing interest from investors. He called on regional partners to join Nigeria in building a stronger, more competitive shea industry. "Beyond Nigeria, we are working closely with other African countries to build a stronger and more competitive regional industry. This approach is already delivering results. We are seeing more processing within Nigeria, better returns for farmers, and growing interest from investors," Senator Enoh noted. "Nigeria is ready, and we welcome partners who are ready to build with us."
The Global Shea Alliance Conference continues to serve as a key platform for shaping trade, sustainability, and investment in the shea value chain across Africa and international markets.
