Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reinforced its resolve to transform Nigeria’s shea industry by driving value addition, tightening policy implementation, and deepening collaboration with processors to boost global competitiveness. This was contained in a statement signed by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head, Press, and Public Relations, FMITI.
At a high-level stakeholder engagement in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh said the Presidential directive on the shea export ban signals a decisive shift from exporting raw commodities to building a strong industrial base capable of competing globally. He stressed the importance of measurable outcomes ahead of the policy’s review timeline and announced plans to verify actual processing capacity through inspections. “The gains of this policy must be clear, measurable, and undeniable before the review in February 2027,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, Director of the Industrial Development Department, FMITI, Mr. Muhammad Bala explained that the engagement was convened to assess progress, address industry bottlenecks, and secure firm commitments from processors, noting that it would also help shape Nigeria’s stance in upcoming global engagements. “This meeting is critical to strengthening coordination across the shea value chain and positioning Nigeria more effectively on the global stage,” he stated.
Representing industry players, Managing Director of Salid Agriculture Limited, Alhaji Ali Saidu, revealed that processors have initiated a data-driven study to evaluate the impact of the export ban and guide future decisions, while highlighting insecurity and smuggling as key challenges affecting access to shea nuts. He noted that recent policy measures have improved market conditions. “The extension of the ban has helped stabilize prices and restore competitiveness,” he said.
Also speaking, Director, Group Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Sadiq Kassim, called for stronger regional cooperation among West African countries to curb raw exports and promote value addition, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to advance into refining and other higher-value processing stages. “Nigeria must leverage its position as the largest producer to attract investment and lead the global shea industry,” he said.
Stakeholders agreed that sustained progress will depend on improved processing capacity, increased investment, and measurable value addition, as the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to policies that will position Nigeria as a dominant force in the global shea value chain.
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