West Africa: Nigeria Extends Shea Export Ban to Boost Local Processing

Nigeria has extended its ban on the export of raw shea nuts for another year, reinforcing its push to expand domestic processing and retain more value from one of its key agricultural commodities.

The measure, effective from Feb. 26, 2026, to Feb. 25, 2027, prolongs an initial six-month moratorium introduced in August 2025. Authorities say the goal is to reposition Nigeria in higher-value segments of the shea industry under the government’s industrialization agenda.

Nigeria accounts for close to…