Nigeria has stopped the export of raw shea nuts for six months. The decision was announced in late August by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The government wants Nigeria to sell processed shea butter and products instead of raw nuts. Other countries in West Africa, like Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, already have similar rules. Shea butter is made by crushing shea nuts. It is an important ingredient in many products such as lotions, shampoos, and creams. Nigeria produces about 40 percent of the world’s shea nuts, but the country earns only 1 percent of the $6.5 billion global market for finished shea goods. Officials said the ban is to help local industry, create jobs, and support farmers.

The ban was announced at the same time as the opening of a large shea butter factory in Niger State. The factory is one of the biggest in Africa. The government expects the ban to bring $300 million soon and possibly $3 billion by 2027. Some experts, however, say that Nigeria needs more factories and investment. They warn that processors may not be ready to handle all the nuts. This has created debate about whether the ban will succeed in the future.