The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to temporarily suspend the export of raw shea as a bold and strategic policy aimed at unlocking the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s shea industry and transforming the country into a global leader in the shea economy.
The Minister made this known in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, while delivering his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 20th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference. He was represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
According to Idris, Nigeria currently accounts for over 50 percent of global shea production, and the new policy will ensure that more shea is processed locally rather than exported in its raw form. He said this would stimulate local investment, drive technology transfer, expand processing capacity, and create quality jobs for women and youths in rural communities.
“Niger State, as the epicenter of shea production in Nigeria, stands to gain tremendously from this initiative. It will deepen our participation in global value chains, boost foreign exchange earnings, and strengthen rural economies,” he stated.
The Minister commended the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) for supporting the President’s vision, adding that the Federal Government is providing the enabling environment for its success.
Speaking on the broader economic agenda, Idris emphasized that the shea policy is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda anchored on accountability, inclusivity, and national re-orientation. He cited ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Superhighway, the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (with 125 kilometres passing through Niger State), and the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor as evidence of the administration’s commitment to fairness and equitable development.
He also highlighted fiscal reforms, including the Treasury Single Account and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), as tools that have improved accountability and reduced financial leakages. Nigeria’s steady climb in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, from 145th in 2023 to 140th in 2024, was also attributed to these reforms.
The Minister further urged accountants and professionals across the country to become strategic partners in national renewal by promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability in both public and private sectors.
He assured that the Tinubu administration remains committed to transparency, good governance, and the prudent management of national resources to drive sustainable development.
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