Shea nut: Nigeria sees strong local value addition driving economy, strengthening global share

The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria is driving a local value addition policy for its abundant shea nuts to boost revenue, reverse wastage, grow its economy, and increase its global market share beyond 40%.

Nigeria currently controls about 40% of the global supply, making it the world’s leading exporter of the produce in raw form. The country could, however, play a more assertive leadership role if it strengthens the development of local industry and value addition across the shea value chain.

Nigeria is participating in Shea 2026, tagged “Beyond Borders”, convened by the Global Shea Alliance from 27–29 April 2026 in Accra, Ghana. The event brings together governments, industry leaders, and development partners to shape the future of the shea sector, and was formally declared open by Ghana’s Vice-President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture in the Office of the Vice-President and member of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), said the event is providing a strategic platform for producing countries to align on trade, investment, sustainability, and value addition across the shea value chain.

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“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,” Moon said.

The Federal Government team is led by Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment.

“The strong Nigerian delegation reflects a clear national priority to reposition the sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Moon added.

Speaking at the event, Enoh said, “The era of exporting raw nuts while importing finished products must come to an end. The future lies in industrialisation, value addition, and regional integration.”

At the heart of Nigeria’s engagement is a shift towards agro-industrialisation — moving from the export of raw commodities to higher-value processing, job creation, and expanded participation in global markets. This transformation 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.

Enoh said Nigeria was taking “a moment of national pride” in the appointment of a Nigerian as the new Chair of the Global Shea Alliance, congratulating Ali Saidu of Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited on the milestone.

“Through its participation at Shea 2026, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to advancing agro-industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.