**Tinubu Keeps Raw Shea Nut Exports On Lockdown, Boosts Local Production** Nigerians, it seems, will have to wait a little longer before the federal government lifts the ban on raw shea nut exports. President Bola Tinubu has just extended the ban for another year, effective from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. This move is seen as a significant step towards achieving industrial development and domestic value addition in the country. The extension, according to the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reflects the administration's commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to enhance Nigeria's economic fortunes. By banning the export of raw shea nuts, the government seeks to boost local processing capacity, improve the livelihoods of those in shea-producing communities, and increase the country's export base through value-added products. This isn't the first time the government has taken a stance on raw shea nut exports. Last year, President Tinubu imposed a six-month ban on the exports to stimulate domestic processing and protect the shea industry. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a bold move towards economic diversification, while others see it as a restriction on the free market. The shea nut industry is a significant one in Nigeria, with the nuts being harvested from trees predominantly found in the country's Savanna belt. Processed shea butter, which is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production, can fetch between 10 and 20 times the price of raw nuts in international markets. By promoting local processing, the government hopes to create more jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural areas. The ban will be enforced through a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit. The government has also directed the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) to develop a framework for exporting processed shea nuts, and has established a dedicated NESS Support Window to enable the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism. As the ban takes effect, Nigerians will be watching with interest to see how it plays out. Will it lead to a surge in local production and job creation, or will it have unintended consequences on the economy? Only time will tell.