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President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.
The Presidency announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 25.
The extension comes just hours before the expiration of the initial six-month ban, which took effect on August 26, 2025.
In the statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the move underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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 statement read.
“To further these objectives, President Tinubu has authorised the two ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU) to coordinate the implementation of a unified, evidence-based national framework that aligns industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.”
Onanuga added that the president approved the adoption of an export framework established by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and ordered the withdrawal of all waivers permitting the direct export of raw shea nuts.
He further stated that any excess supply of raw shea nuts must be exported exclusively through the NCX framework, in line with the approved guidelines.
“Additionally, he directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated NESS Support Window to enable the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at strengthening production and processing capacity,” Onanuga said.
He noted that the Federal Government remains committed to policies that promote inclusive growth, boost local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global agricultural value chains.
