Nigeria’s Shea Industry Suffers as Export Ban Impacts Thousands of Women
Nigeria’s shea industry faces significant challenges due to the government’s export ban, impacting thousands of women reliant on this sector. This policy aims to empower local producers and enhance processing capabilities within the country.
Nigeria’s Shea Industry: Current Challenges and Opportunities
Kingsley Uzoma, an advisor to the Nigerian president on agricultural policy, defends the export ban as a necessary step for the country’s economic growth. According to Uzoma, this measure is designed to benefit women, who have historically struggled in poverty while middlemen and foreign companies profit.
Goals of the Export Ban
- Empower women in the shea industry.
- Shift economic benefits back to local producers.
- Encourage investment in Nigeria’s processing capacity.
Uzoma emphasizes that this ban is only a temporary six-month suspension. He asserts that it is crucial to implement reforms swiftly so that the old exploitative systems do not persist. He points to similar export bans in neighboring countries that have successfully bolstered local processing of agricultural products.
Support from Industry Associations
The National Association of Shea Products of Nigeria (Naspan) has expressed support for the export ban, viewing it as a critical step in repositioning the industry. However, Naspan has also urged the government to provide relief to traders affected by the ban who are holding large stocks of shea.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive intentions, Nigeria’s shea processing capacity is currently limited. Most processing is concentrated within a few large factories, making it difficult for smaller producers and cooperatives to access necessary facilities. The effectiveness of a six-month suspension remains uncertain, raising concerns about whether enough infrastructure and support can be developed in such a time frame.
Future Aspirations
The Nigerian government aims for the country to capture at least 20% of the global shea market by 2030. However, for women in Niger State—facing declining prices and familial pressures—the immediate focus remains on survival. Their daily struggles include providing food, medical care, and sustaining their livelihoods through the shea season.
As this policy unfolds, the hope is to transform the industry to ensure that the benefits of shea production reach those who need it most—Nigeria’s women. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this vision can be realized.
