Ministers stress transparency, value addition, and national industrial growth while reviewing shea nut export restrictions.
By Joy Onu
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment today hosted a comprehensive Stakeholders’ Validation Session on Nigeria’s raw shea nut export policy, bringing together processors, exporters, aggregators, rural women, and other key players across the shea value chain.
The session, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive consultation, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking. In her address, she acknowledged the extensive contributions and submissions from stakeholders, noting that prior engagements were carefully reviewed to ensure fairness and shared understanding.
“Every Nigerian has the right to earn a livelihood, and our collective responsibility is to strengthen the nation’s economic foundation,” Minister Oduwole said, assuring stakeholders that verified data and diverse perspectives will guide the final recommendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on whether to extend or adjust the export ban.
The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stressed continued open engagement and encouraged stakeholders to submit verifiable data to support a balanced outcome. The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, emphasized aligning policy with industrialization goals, prioritizing local processing, and maintaining steady access to raw materials to bolster Nigeria’s global leadership in the shea sector.
Permanent Secretary of FMITI, Nura Abba Rimi, represented by Mohammed Naziru Abbas, noted that the export restriction is temporary, aimed at stimulating value addition and deepening industrial growth. An impact assessment has been conducted to inform the final policy decision.
Stakeholders were urged to continue constructive engagement and update submissions to ensure that the Ministry objectively reviews all positions before presenting a final recommendation to the President. The session concluded with a shared commitment to fair, transparent policies that protect livelihoods, support industrial expansion, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global shea market.
