Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that Nigeria is positioning itself to become a global leader in the Shea industry, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to temporarily suspend the export of raw shea,
Speaking at the 20th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference in Minna, Niger State in northern Nigeria, the minister said: “President Bola Tinubu’s recent temporary suspension of raw shea exports is not a mere policy experiment, but a bold and forward-looking measure aimed at unlocking the full potential of our rural economy.”
Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the minister described the move as both “bold and strategic,” and that the suspension would help transform Nigeria’s role in the global shea supply chain.
“By insisting that more of our shea be processed locally, the president is ensuring that Nigeria, which accounts for over 50 per cent of the world’s shea production, does not remain a supplier of raw materials but becomes a global leader in high-value shea products,” he said.
The statement by the media aide to the minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, noted that Niger State, a major hub for shea production in Nigeria, is expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the policy shift.
“This decisive step will stimulate local investment, drive technology transfer, and accelerate the development of processing capacity.
“It will also bring about the creation of quality jobs for our youth and women in rural communities, boost foreign exchange earnings, and deepen Nigeria’s participation in the global value chains,” the statement added.
He praised the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria for supporting the new policy direction and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for the shea industry to thrive. “The Federal Government is providing the enabling environment to make it a reality,” the minister said.
The minister said the initiative was part of a broader economic renewal strategy under the Tinubu administration, which focuses on national re-orientation, inclusivity, and accountability.
GIK/APA