Tinubu shea export ban praised by Minister Idris as a bold move to boost local processing, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s global shea economy

Tinubu shea export ban is not just a policy experiment but a bold, forward-looking step to unlock Nigeria’s rural economic potential, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.

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Speaking at the 20th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference in Minna, Niger State, Idris said the president’s suspension of raw shea exports would position Nigeria as a global leader in the shea economy.

Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Idris explained that Nigeria produces over 50% of the world’s shea but risks remaining a raw material supplier unless value-added processing takes root locally.

“By insisting that more of our shea be processed locally, the president is ensuring that Nigeria becomes a global leader in high-value shea products,” he said.

Niger State, the hub of shea production, stands to benefit greatly from the initiative.

The minister said the policy would stimulate investment, drive technology transfer, expand processing capacity, create jobs for youth and women, and deepen Nigeria’s participation in global value chains.

He praised the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) for aligning with Tinubu’s vision and assured that the Federal Government was providing an enabling environment to make it work.

According to Idris, the shea policy is part of Tinubu’s wider Renewed Hope Agenda, which also includes fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.

He cited major projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal superhighway, the Badagry–Sokoto superhighway, and the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor as proof of equitable resource distribution.

Idris further noted that reforms such as the Treasury Single Account and GIFMIS are helping to cut leakages and restore financial discipline, contributing to Nigeria’s climb from 145th to 140th on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index between 2023 and 2024.

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The minister concluded that accountability, inclusivity, and re-orientation remain central to the administration’s economic renewal strategy.