Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) today convened a comprehensive Stakeholders’ Validation Session on Raw Shea Nut Ban in Nigeria, bringing together actors across the entire shea value chain to deliberate on the way forward for the sector and the nation. This was contained in a statement signed by Obilor-Duru Augustina, Head, Press and Public Relations.
The session, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive consultation, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking. In her remarks, the Minister expressed appreciation for the robust participation and detailed submissions made by the umbrella bodies and stakeholders representing processors, exporters, aggregators, rural women, and other critical actors in the value chain.
She noted that prior engagements and documented submissions were carefully reviewed and circulated to ensure transparency and shared understanding. The Ministry, working in unity across its relevant departments, presented the position received and opened the floor for broader input to ensure that all voices were heard.
Emphasising that every Nigerian has the right to earn a livelihood, the Minister also reiterated the collective responsibility to strengthen the nation’s economic foundation. She assured stakeholders that an objective and comprehensive briefing, reflecting verified data and diverse perspectives, will be presented to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a final determination on the status of the ban on raw shea nut exports—whether to extend it or adjust the policy direction in the national interest.
The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed the collaborative approach between ministries, stressing that government engagement with stakeholders remains open, transparent, and solution-driven. He commended participants for their balanced interventions and encouraged continued submission of verifiable data to support an informed and equitable outcome.
Also speaking at the session, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, aligned the discussion with the administration’s broader industrialisation objectives. He highlighted the need to prioritise local processing capacity, ensure steady access to raw materials for domestic industries, and position Nigeria as a global leader in the shea market. He noted measurable growth in processing capacity since the introduction of the policy and emphasised the importance of policy consistency in attracting further investment into the sector.
The Ministers collectively reaffirmed that the Federal Government is a listening government—willing to review decisions where superior information is presented and determined to balance immediate commercial interests with long-term national industrial growth.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of FMITI, Nura Abba Rimi, represented by Mohammed Naziru Abbas, noted that the export restriction was introduced as a temporary measure to stimulate value addition and deepen industrial growth. He stated that an impact assessment has been conducted to guide Government’s final decision.
The Ministry urged stakeholders to continue engaging constructively, reiterating that the final policy direction will aim to protect livelihoods, support industrial expansion, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global shea value chain.
Stakeholders were encouraged to resubmit or update their data and recommendations to the Ministry to ensure that all positions are objectively reviewed and disaggregated before a final policy recommendation is submitted to Mr. President.
The session concluded with a shared understanding that Nigeria’s leadership in the global shea industry must be strengthened through policies that are fair, transparent, and aligned with national development priorities. The Federal Government remains committed to a resolution that protects livelihoods, supports industrial expansion, and advances Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
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