President Bola Tinubu has officially announced the extension of the raw shea nut export ban for another year, effective from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. This extension, as detailed in a press release from the State House, reflects the administration's ongoing commitment to strengthening local agricultural processing industries and enhancing Nigeria's industrial capabilities. The initiative aims to ensure that more shea nuts are processed domestically to foster economic growth and increase value within the agricultural sector.

The decision was articulated by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, who indicated that this move aligns with the government’s broader industrialization goals encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. The extension of the ban is intended to create an environment that stimulates local production while reducing reliance on raw exportation, thereby promoting job creation and livelihoods in communities engaged in shea nut farming.

Furthermore, the policy is aimed at facilitating sustainable economic growth by expanding the processing capacity of Nigeria's shea sector. The government believes that adding value to shea nuts before export will not only enhance Nigeria's standing in the global market but also benefit local farmers who produce them, thus enabling them to earn a better living and improve their quality of life.