Nigeria Imposes Six-Month Ban on Raw Shea Nut Exports to Boost Local Refining

Nigeria has imposed a six-month ban on raw shea nut exports to boost local refining, increase farmer earnings, and capture more value from the $6.5bn global market.

Nigeria has announced a six-month suspension on the export of raw shea nuts in a bid to strengthen domestic processing, increase value addition, and secure a greater share of the $6.5 billion global shea industry.

The country currently produces nearly 40 per cent of the world’s shea nuts, yet captures only around 1 per cent of global revenue. Much of the produce is exported informally at low prices, leaving local farmers—most of them women—with minimal earnings.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima described the decision as a strategic step towards industrialisation, rural transformation, and gender empowerment. “This is about creating wealth locally and ensuring our farmers benefit fairly from the fruits of their labour,” he said.

Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari added that Nigeria produces an estimated 350,000 tonnes of shea nuts annually, highlighting the country’s vast potential in global markets if more of the crop is processed domestically.

Industry experts have long criticised the lack of regulation in the shea value chain, arguing that underpayment of farmers and overdependence on raw exports have stunted growth. They say the ban could lead to higher incomes, job creation, and increased government revenue if properly managed.

Shea butter, widely used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, has seen growing international demand, with Africa remaining the leading source of raw supply. Nigeria hopes the restriction will push investors to establish more local refineries and manufacturing plants.

While some exporters have expressed concern about short-term losses, analysts argue that the move could be transformative if supported by infrastructure development and access to finance for local processors.

By halting the flow of unprocessed nuts abroad, Nigeria is sending a clear message: the path to prosperity lies not in exporting raw materials but in refining and branding them at home.