Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has strongly backed President Bola Tinubu’s shea export ban, calling it transformative.
Meanwhile, AbdulRazaq said the directive is timely as Kwara prepares to launch its 50-tonne shea butter plant.
The facility in Kaiama will be Nigeria’s largest state-owned shea factory and the second biggest nationwide.
Moreover, AbdulRazaq explained the project will boost Kwara North’s economy, creating jobs for women farmers and nut pickers.
He further stressed it will cut post-harvest losses and ensure communities retain greater value across the shea chain.
“Locating the factory in Kaiama places people at the heart of production, ownership, and benefits,” the governor said.
On August 26, Tinubu announced a six-month shea export ban to curb informal trade and encourage local processing.
Therefore, the policy aims to protect Nigeria’s shea industry and generate up to $300 million annually.
In addition, Kwara and Niger states hold the largest shea reserves, with Kwara North hosting 250,000 producing trees.
Consequently, AbdulRazaq said the new factory positions Kwara as a hub for value-added processing and global exports.
“This initiative guarantees better returns for farmers and strengthens Kwara’s role in Nigeria’s non-oil economy,” AbdulRazaq declared.
Finally, the shea export ban, subject to review after six months, will spur investments, improve quality, and expand shea-related jobs.
