Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to ban the export of raw Shea butter, describing the move as a catalyst for boosting local production and strengthening the value chain of the highly sought-after crop.
The directive comes at a time when Kwara is set to unveil its 50-tonne Shea butter processing factory in Kaiama.
The facility, which is the largest state-owned plant in Nigeria and the second biggest overall, is one of the governor’s flagship economic projects.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed optimism that the president’s action will stimulate growth in the industry, improve standards, and open up more job opportunities across the sector.
According to him, the new factory in Kaiama is strategically positioned to ignite economic activities in Kwara North, with significant prospects for employment, particularly for women farmers and nut pickers.
“Locating the factory within Kaiama puts the people at the centre of local Shea production, ensures local ownership of benefits, such as job creation, reduced post-harvest losses, and value retention in Kaiama. This project exemplifies backward and forward integration as it combines raw material sourcing, processing, and market access in one locality,” the governor said in a statement.
Kwara North, alongside Niger State, is among the country’s key hubs for Shea nut trees. The region alone boasts over 250,000 naturally growing, productive trees spread across about 6,000 hectares of land.
Last Tuesday, the Federal Government approved a six-month suspension on the export of raw shea nuts as part of efforts to curb informal trade, encourage local processing, and strengthen Nigeria’s shea industry.
The temporary measure, which takes immediate effect and will be reviewed after its expiration, is expected to significantly boost the country’s shea value chain, with a target of generating about $300 million annually in the short term.
This development was revealed in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
Announcing the directive during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies to ensure prompt enforcement.