Nigeria ends raw shea export, prioritizes value addition
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Federal Government has declared an end to the export of raw shea nuts, aiming instead to promote industrialization and value addition within the country. This policy shift was announced by the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, at the Shea 2026: Beyond Borders conference in Accra, Ghana. Nigeria, which produces nearly 40 percent of the global shea supply, currently captures only about one percent of the $6.5 billion global market due to exporting raw nuts. Processed shea butter sells for 10 to 20 times the price of raw nuts. The government seeks to increase processed shea earnings from an estimated $65 million to $300 million in the near term, with a potential growth to $3 billion by 2027. An initial six-month ban on raw shea nut exports was implemented in August 2025, and President Tinubu extended this ban for another year on February 26, 2026, moving the deadline to the end of February 2027. Under the extension, all shea exports must pass through the Nigeria Commodity Exchange framework. Other West African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Ghana, have also imposed or phased in bans on raw shea exports. At the Accra conference, Nigeria's Ali Saidu was appointed the new Chair of the Global Shea Alliance, marking the first time a Nigerian has led the organization. The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit highlighted Nigeria's commitment to regional coordination to ensure Africa captures greater value from shea, noting that rur
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President Bola Tinubu has honored billionaire businessman Dr. Mike Adenuga on his birthday, April 29, describing him as a "colossus" in Nigeria's business landscape. In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu congratulated the Globacom and Conoil chairman, praising his contributions across key sectors including telecommunications, real estate, banking, and oil and gas. Tinubu highlighted Adenuga's life as a reflection of determination and vision, noting his rise from humble beginnings to become a leading African entrepreneur. The President stated that Adenuga's success serves as motivation for younger Nigerians, demonstrating the possibilities of Nigerian enterprise through hard work, innovation, and resilience. Tinubu also commended Adenuga's consistent support for the arts, culture, sports, and entertainment sectors, which has sustained culturally significant festivals and entertainment events. Furthermore, the President lauded Adenuga's philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare, encouraging him to continue giving back to the community. Tinubu concluded by celebrating with Adenuga and praying for his continued good health, wisdom, and renewed vision for future accomplishments.
The Edo State Migration Agency has successfully rescued and repatriated three indigenes from Burkina Faso who were victims of human trafficking. The Director-General of the agency, Lucky Agazuma, announced the rescue at Benin Airport, describing the day as both "happy and sad" due to the victims' experiences. The operation was initiated after Nigeria's Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Muhammad Danladi, alerted the Edo State Government about stranded indigenes. Governor Monday Okpebholo then ordered immediate intervention. One male victim, Evans, was imprisoned upon arrival in Burkina Faso after being deceived. Two young women, Precious and Peace, were trafficked under the pretense of job opportunities but were forced into prostitution. Their refusal to comply led to severe abuse, with one of the victims losing her sight due to the maltreatment. The state government is providing urgent medical attention for her. The agency is seeking public assistance to locate the family of the visually impaired victim, who reportedly lived in the Uselu area of Edo State. Agazuma also stated that one suspect in the trafficking network has been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing. The rescued individuals are currently receiving care.
The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, successfully rescued 14 victims who were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways. The rescue operation, announced by Force public relations officer DCP Anthony Placid on Tuesday, was a result of sustained intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated efforts targeting criminal elements in the maritime corridor. All victims were rescued without harm and are currently undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing before being reunited with their families. Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu commended the joint security team for the successful operation, highlighting it as an example of effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led policing. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction. The incident, which occurred when a passenger ferry traveling from Calabar to Oron was intercepted, had previously drawn attention from the Senate, which urged security agencies to intensify operations in the Niger Delta waterways.
Must ReadA disturbing video circulating on social media shows the public killing of a bound suspect by armed men, identified as alleged police officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Effurun Area Command, in Delta State. The 90-second video depicts the suspect, with hands and legs tied, pleading for his life and offering to cooperate. Despite his pleas, an armed man fires a shot into his leg, and then a second shot towards his head, in full view of onlookers. The body is subsequently placed into a police van. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with Nigerians demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved. Activist Harrison Gwamnishu described the footage as "disturbing," while other social media users called for police leadership to take action. In response to the viral video and public backlash, the Complaint Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the incident, providing a tracking number for the complaint.