President Bola Tinubu has approved a six-month suspension of raw shea exports, on the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit.

The move aims to secure supply for local processors, create jobs, and protect a value chain where 95 per cent of pickers are women.

In a brief statement, Tinubu said Nigeria’s shea is our green wealth. We produce nearly 40 per cent of the world’s supply, yet capture less than one per cent of its $6.5b global market. "That imbalance ends now," he said.

"I have approved a six-month suspension of raw shea exports, on the recommendation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, to secure supply for local processors, create jobs, and protect a value chain where 95% of pickers are women.

"This is a win for our farmers, for our women, and for Nigeria."

He said VP Kashim Shettima will work with stakeholders to rapidly expand processing capacity and ensure that this reform translates into lasting prosperity.

"With new market access opening in Brazil and beyond, we will no longer export poverty and import value. We will create value at home, compete abroad, and deliver prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda," he said.

ASA