Nigeria to move from raw Shea export to higher-value processing -Minister
The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria is moving from the export of raw commodities to higher-value processing, job creation, and expanded participation in global markets. This was made known by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh at the ongoing “Shea 2026: Beyond Borders, convened by the Global Shea […]
The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria is moving from the export of raw commodities to higher-value processing, job creation, and expanded participation in global
markets.
This was made known by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh at the ongoing “Shea 2026: Beyond Borders, convened by the Global Shea Alliance in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking at the gathering the Minister said the era of exporting raw nuts while importing finished products must come to an end, adding that the future lies in industrialisation, value addition, and regional integration.
“At the heart of Nigeria’s engagement is a shift toward agro-industrialisation, moving from the export of raw commodities to higher-value processing, job creation, and expanded participation in global
markets.” He said.
A statement by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit signed by the Technical Assistant to the President on Agricuture in the Office of the Vice President, Marion Moon, said Nigeria is taking a more assertive leadership role at Shea 2026:
The summit which brought together governments, industry leaders, and development partners to shape the future of the shea sector, is expected to provide a strategic platform for producing countries to align on trade,
investment, sustainability, and value addition across the shea value chain.
The statement said “As the world’s largest producer accounting for approximately 40% of global shea nut supply, Nigeria is using this platform to strengthen its voice in shaping a sector from which it currently captures only a small share of global value.”
The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) is participating as a Guest of Honour alongside the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, and
the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh.
Moon said the strong Nigerian delegation reflects a clear national priority to reposition the sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The transformation, the Technical Assistant said is being advanced through the Nigeria Industrial Policy (NIP), with targeted measures to support domestic processing, strengthen market systems, and attract investment into value-added production.
“Beyond industry, the shea sector also represents a critical opportunity for rural development and environmental sustainability. As a naturally occurring agroforestry resource, the expansion and protection of shea parklands supports afforestation, climate resilience, and livelihoods, particularly for women who play a central role in production and processing.
“Nigeria’s participation at Shea 2026 also underscores its commitment to stronger regional
coordination among producing countries, ensuring that Africa captures greater value from one of its most strategic indigenous commodities.”
Moon said through the participation at Shea 2026, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agro- industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.