Nigeria has implemented a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts, aiming to boost local processing and increase its share of the global shea butter market.

• Nigeria produces nearly 40% of the world’s annual shea crop but accounts for only 1% of the $6.5 billion global market.
• Vice-President Kashim Shettima described the current situation as “unacceptable” and announced the ban.
• The short-term aim is to increase Nigeria’s annual earnings from shea products from $65 million to $300 million.