The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) says it is ramping up efforts to ensure that the Federal Government’s ban on raw shea nut exports directly translates into long-term growth for the local shea industry and wider economic benefits for Nigeria.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director-General of RMRDC, Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, said the Council is already acting on critical demands from stakeholders to make the policy work effectively.
Mapping, Roadmap Update, and Grassroots Empowerment Underway
Among the key actions outlined is the comprehensive mapping of shea trees across the country to identify existing stock, geographical spread, and quality variations.
“We are commencing a special mapping exercise based on the available quantities and qualities of shea trees across Nigeria,” Ike-Muonso explained.
He said the data will equip both local and international investors and processors with the insight needed to make informed investment decisions in the shea processing sector.
In addition, the Council is set to convene stakeholders in the next two weeks to review and update the industry’s five-year roadmap, which has now expired.
“We are rallying all stakeholders to update the five-year roadmap to ensure sustainability of supply, especially as new processors and investors are coming on board,” the DG stated.
Supporting the Backbone of the Industry — Women Collectors
Recognising the role of women as the primary collectors of shea nuts, Ike-Muonso announced plans to launch a nationwide cooperative cluster focused on training and empowering women.
“We are introducing national women cluster cooperatives to build capacity and improve the quality of shea nuts collected and processed,” he said.
The initiative aims to increase women’s participation in the value chain and ensure they benefit from rising demand in the domestic processing sector.
Expanding Shea Cultivation and Seeking International Partnerships
To secure a long-term supply pipeline, RMRDC is also taking the lead in expanding shea plantations, with a target of 10,000 hectares under cultivation.
“We plan to reach out to the United States government for technical and financial support towards the development of large-scale shea plantations,” Ike-Muonso disclosed.
Presidency to Receive Regular Progress Updates
The Council has established a framework to provide regular updates to the Presidency on the implementation and impact of the ban on raw exports.
“We’ve developed a reporting mechanism for updates on capacity utilisation, jobs created, and foreign exchange saved as a result of this policy,” the RMRDC boss said.
Repositioning Shea as a Strategic Economic Driver
Nigeria is one of the largest producers of shea nuts globally, yet for decades, most of the raw product was exported with minimal value addition. The recent export suspension is designed to encourage local processing, industrialisation, and job creation, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s push for economic diversification.
With the new set of interventions from the RMRDC, the shea sector is expected to play a more prominent role in the country’s non-oil export agenda, while offering tangible socio-economic benefits for women and rural communities.
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