©(AP Photo/David Durowaiye)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- refined /ri-FAHYND/
[adjective] – improved or made pure by removing unwanted parts
The company now sells refined sugar instead of raw sugar. - disparity /dih-SPAR-i-tee/
[noun] – a large and unfair difference between two things
Data revealed a clear disparity between the number of students in rural schools and the resources they receive. - obstruct /uhb-STRUHKT/
[verb] – to block or stop something from happening or moving
Heavy rain may obstruct workers from finishing the construction. - divergence /dih-VUR-juhns/
[noun] – a situation where two things move apart or become different
The two countries showed a divergence in their plans for trade. - impediment /im-PED-uh-muhnt/
[noun] – something that makes it difficult to do something or make progress
Poor internet connection is one of the biggest impediments to online learning.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Nigeria has announced a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts, a crop essential to the global cosmetics sector. The directive, declared in late August by Vice President Kashim Shettima, aims to shift Nigeria from exporting raw material to supplying refined shea butter and related products. Several West African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, have enforced similar restrictions in recent years. Shea butter, obtained by pulverizing the nut, is a key component in lotions, shampoos, and moisturizers. Official data show that Nigeria provides 40 percent of the world’s shea nut supply but secures only 1 percent of the $6.5 billion market for finished shea goods, revealing a marked disparity. Authorities underlined that the ban is intended to boost domestic industry, create jobs, and support rural livelihoods rather than obstruct trade.
Government representatives explained that the measure coincided with the opening of a major shea butter processing plant in Niger State, described as one of the largest in Africa. Projections indicated that the ban could generate $300 million in the short term and expand to $3 billion by 2027. Analysts, however, argued that without substantial investment, Nigerian processors may struggle to absorb available supply, reducing the effectiveness of the initiative. A report from SBM Intelligence noted that the ban exposes a supply-gap dilemma, warning that additional infrastructure and industrial resilience are required. Observers also pointed out a paradox within trade governance, since President Bola Tinubu has promoted free-market reforms by floating the currency, removing subsidies, and reversing import bans. This divergence has raised debate about whether the ban will secure long-term competitiveness or face structural impediments.
Government representatives explained that the measure coincided with the opening of a major shea butter processing plant in Niger State, described as one of the largest in Africa. Projections indicated that the ban could generate $300 million in the short term and expand to $3 billion by 2027. Analysts, however, argued that without substantial investment, Nigerian processors may struggle to absorb available supply, reducing the effectiveness of the initiative. A report from SBM Intelligence noted that the ban exposes a supply-gap dilemma, warning that additional infrastructure and industrial resilience are required. Observers also pointed out a paradox within trade governance, since President Bola Tinubu has promoted free-market reforms by floating the currency, removing subsidies, and reversing import bans. This divergence has raised debate about whether the ban will secure long-term competitiveness or face structural impediments.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used a product that contains shea butter, like lotion or shampoo? If yes, what did you think about it? If not, what product is famous in your country for skin or hair care?
- Have you ever seen or learned about how nuts or plants are processed into finished goods? If yes, what was the product and how was it made? If not, what product would you like to see being made in a factory?
- Do you agree that Nigeria should ban the export of raw shea nuts to increase local jobs and industries?
- What challenges might small farmers face when their country changes from exporting raw goods to finished products?
- What balance should governments find between protecting local industries and keeping free trade open?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- export
- essential
- raw material
- market
- livelihood