The Federal Government has launched a bold and strategic initiative to position Nigeria as a global leader in the shea economy.
Spark News Naija reports that the temporary suspension of raw shea exports marks a pivotal step in the administration’s broader economic renewal drive, aimed at transforming Nigeria from a raw material supplier to a high-value product exporter.
Speaking at the 20th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference in Minna, Niger State, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that this policy is not a temporary measure but a long-term vision to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s shea industry.
“Implicit in this decision is the vision of ensuring that Nigeria, which accounts for over 50% of the world’s shea production, does not remain a supplier of raw materials but becomes a global leader in high-value shea products,” Idris said.
As the Special Guest of Honour at the conference, Idris, who hails from Niger State — the epicenter of shea production in Nigeria — outlined the importance of this policy in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting foreign exchange earnings.
The Minister, in a statement on Tuesday, by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant on Media, noted that the policy is expected to stimulate local investment, drive technology transfer, and accelerate the development of processing capacity. It will also create quality jobs for the youth and women in rural communities, boost foreign exchange earnings, and deepen Nigeria’s participation in global value chains.
Idris commended the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) for embracing the President’s vision and said the Federal Government is providing the enabling environment to make this a reality.
The shea policy is a critical component of President Tinubu’s broader economic renewal drive, rooted in accountability, national re-orientation, and inclusivity.
On the theme of the conference, “Socio-Economic Potentials, Accountability and National Re-Orientation: Unlocking Nigeria’s future,” Idris stressed that accountability remains the cornerstone of every thriving society.
He called on citizens to collectively commit to doing things differently by living by the right values, holding institutions accountable, and putting Nigeria first in all actions.
The Minister also highlighted the ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which include fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, digital transformation, and youth empowerment. These reforms, he said, are laying the moral and institutional compass needed to unlock Nigeria’s vast human and material potentials.
Among the key projects under the agenda is the construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal superhighway, the Badagry–Sokoto superhighway, and the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor.
The 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, one of the four Legacy Projects of the President, will pass through several states, including Niger, and about 125 kilometres will be constructed within the state.
The Federal Government is also leveraging tools like the Treasury Single Account and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) to tighten controls, reduce leakages, and restore discipline in the management of national resources.
Nigeria’s sustained improvement in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, moving from 145th position in 2023 to 140th in 2024, is a testament to the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Adding that the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, two landmark policy reforms, have delivered a decisive blow against long-standing avenues of waste and abuse of public funds.
Idris urged accountants and other professionals to become strategic partners in national re-orientation, noting that their expertise and example can inspire a new culture of accountability that will strengthen the nation’s democracy and drive sustainable development.
The Federal Government remains committed to transparency, good governance, and the upliftment of the Nigerian people.