**Raw Shea Nut Export Ban Extended, Boost for Local Industries** In a move aimed at boosting Nigeria's industrial capacity, President Bola Tinubu has extended the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for another year. This decision, which takes effect from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027, is part of the administration's efforts to deepen value addition and promote exports of higher-value products. The President's decision is in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes industrial development and domestic value addition. By banning the export of raw shea nuts, the government seeks to expand Nigeria's processing capacity, improve livelihoods in producing communities, and promote exports of processed shea products. Shea nuts, which are derived from the shea tree found in Nigeria's savanna belt, are a valuable raw material for the production of shea butter – a high-demand product used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and edible oils. The government notes that processed shea butter commands significantly higher prices in international markets, with prices ranging from 10 to 20 times that of raw shea nuts. To implement this policy, the government has authorized the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to coordinate the implementation of a unified national framework that aligns industrialization, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain. The Nigerian Commodity Exchange will also play a crucial role in establishing an export framework for raw shea nuts. The President has also directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide access to a dedicated support window to enable the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at strengthening production and processing capacity. This move is expected to create new opportunities for local industries and improve the livelihoods of farmers and processors in the shea nut value chain. As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and promote local industries, the extension of the raw shea nut export ban is a significant step in the right direction. By promoting domestic processing and value addition, the government can create new opportunities for economic growth and development.