Nigeria Bans Shea Nut Importation for Six Months to Boost Local Production and Curb Raw Exports – RMRDC DG
By Ujunwa Eunice Nwankwo
In a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and reduce the nation’s dependence on raw material imports, the Federal Government has announced a six-month ban on the importation of shea nuts. The decision, spearheaded by the Director General and CEO of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, is aimed at reviving local shea nut production, enhancing value addition, and promoting economic prosperity.
At a press conference held in Abuja with directors of the RMRDC and members of the media, Prof. Ike-Muonso explained that the primary reason for the ban is to discourage the export of raw shea nuts and encourage local processing into shea butter and other value-added products. According to him, the ban is part of a broader strategy to **“stop the exporting of poverty” and instead focus on “importing prosperity” by investing in Nigeria’s raw materials and agricultural resources.
“This ban is not a halt to business—it’s a wake-up call,” he said. “It’s time to embrace prosperity by processing what we produce and creating jobs, wealth, and value here at home.”
Why the Shea Nut Import Ban Was Imposed
Prof. Ike-Muonso emphasized that Nigeria, despite being rich in shea trees—grown across 21 states—has continued to import raw shea nuts and export them in unprocessed form. This, he argued, has drained the country of potential revenue and job creation opportunities.
“We cannot continue to export raw materials and expect to grow economically. We must add value here in Nigeria,” he said. “The shea sector alone has the capacity to transform rural economies, especially for women, if properly harnessed.”
Key Reasons for the Ban:
- Boost Local Production and Processing Capacity
The ban is expected to drive local investment into shea nut processing, encourage farmers to scale up cultivation, and reduce the reliance on foreign supply. - Encourage Value Addition
Rather than exporting raw shea nuts at low prices, the government wants to encourage the production of finished goods like shea butter, cosmetics, and skincare products which have far higher market value. - Job Creation and Women Empowerment
The shea value chain is dominated by rural women. Plans are underway to launch a National Women’s Cooperative within two weeks to train women in processing, quality control, and business management. Financial and material support will be provided to women who complete the training. - Promote Economic Diversification
The move aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to diversify its economy from oil dependence by developing solid agriculture and industrial value chains. - Environmental and Agricultural Development
As part of the ban’s implementation, Niger State has donated 10 hectares of land for shea cultivation. The project, supported by NEXIM Bank and designed over a 14-year plan, aims to make Nigeria the leading country in global shea tree population.
Mapping and Roadmap for the Future
The RMRDC has also developed a five-year roadmap for the shea industry, including the mapping of shea trees across the 21 states where the crop is naturally grown. This will help in tracking quality, quantity, and regional variations of shea nut species to optimize production and planning.
Commitment from the Top
To ensure transparency and national support, Prof. Ike-Muonso assured that progress reports will be sent to the Presidency, emphasizing that this initiative is a collaborative national agenda, not just a policy directive.
“We are working with the President to make this happen. This is not just talk—it is action,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
As the six-month ban takes effect, stakeholders in agriculture, industry, and trade are being called upon to take advantage of the opportunities in the shea sector. The RMRDC is confident that with the right investments and community engagement, Nigeria will soon become a global hub for high-quality shea products.
