President Bola Tinubu has described the six-month suspension of raw shea exports as a major win for farmers, women, and Nigeria.
Tinubu ordered the temporary ban on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with immediate effect.
In a post on the following day, Tinubu explained that the decision was made on the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit. He said the measure is designed to secure raw materials for local processors, create jobs, and protect a value chain in which women account for 95% of shea nut picking.
The president added that Vice President Kashim Shettima will collaborate with stakeholders to rapidly expand processing capacity and ensure that the reform delivers lasting prosperity.
He said, “Nigeria’s shea is our green wealth. We produce nearly 40% of the world’s supply, yet capture less than 1% of its $6.5bn global market. That imbalance ends now.
“I have approved a six-month suspension of raw shea exports, on the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, to secure supply for local processors, create jobs, and protect a value chain where 95% of pickers are women.
“This is a win for our farmers, for our women, and for Nigeria.
“VP Kashim Shettima will work with stakeholders to rapidly expand processing capacity and ensure that this reform translates into lasting prosperity.
“With new market access opening in Brazil and beyond, we will no longer export poverty and import value. We will create value at home, compete abroad, and deliver prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”