The federal government has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts.
The extension, which takes effect from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027, was disclosed in an official statement by the President’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the extension is a demonstration of the federal government’s determination to strengthen domestic value addition and reposition Nigeria’s shea industry for higher export earnings through processed products.
The decision is also aimed at stimulating local manufacturing, creating jobs, and improving incomes across shea-producing communities.
“The ban aims to deepen processing capacity within Nigeria, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the growth of Nigerian exports anchored on value-added products,” the federal government stated.
The statement added that the directive forms part of broader efforts to shift Nigeria away from the export of raw commodities toward a more industrial and export-driven economy.
In August 2025, President Tinubu initially approved a six-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts. The move was introduced to curb informal trade, stimulate local processing, and safeguard the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s shea industry.
