The National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) has welcomed the federal government's decision to place a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts, describing the policy as a boost for local processing and job creation.
The ban, announced on August 26, aims to keep raw materials within the country, allowing processors and small businesses to add value, strengthen supply chains, and create employment, particularly for women who dominate the shea picking sector.
NASPAN president Mohammed Kontagora said the decision was "strategic and critical" to repositioning Nigeria as a global leader in shea competitiveness. He noted that the measure would stabilize local prices, encourage investment in processing, and reduce losses from informal trading.
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"The grounds for the ban, which include boosting local capacity, job creation, rural transformation, and fair returns to women pickers, are valid and justifiable," Kontagora stated.
He added that integrating shea into the Nigerian Commodity Exchange would promote transparency and better returns for farmers, processors, and exporters.
Industry stakeholders believe the ban could accelerate the growth of SMEs in shea butter and derivative products such as cosmetics, food processing, and pharmaceuticals — sectors with high export potential once value addition is increased locally.
