Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of raw shea exports as a visionary step designed to transform Nigeria into a global leader in value-added shea products.
Speaking at the 20th Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Minna, Niger State, Idris represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace said the policy would unlock the country’s vast rural economy and create opportunities for jobs, investment, and foreign exchange earnings.
“Nigeria produces more than half of the world’s shea.
“But until now, we have remained largely a supplier of raw materials. This decisive action by the President ensures we take our rightful place as a global powerhouse in processed shea products,” he said.
Idris said the move would particularly benefit Niger State, the hub of shea production in the country, by spurring technology transfer and developing processing capacity at the local level.
The Minister commended the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) for embracing the government’s vision, stressing that the administration was committed to creating the right environment for success.
He also tied the shea policy to the broader “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which focuses on infrastructure, fiscal discipline, accountability, and inclusive growth. Highlighting major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar and Sokoto–Badagry superhighways, as well as reforms like fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, Idris said the Tinubu administration was redirecting resources toward sustainable development.
Calling on accountants and other professionals to partner with government, he urged them to champion accountability and values-driven leadership, saying their expertise was critical to deepening democracy and strengthening Nigeria’s economic future.
