By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike Muonso, has hailed the Federal Government’s recent ban on the export of raw Shea nuts, describing it as a bold and timely step toward industrializing Nigeria’s agro-sector and ending the cycle of “exporting prosperity while importing poverty.”
Speaking at a press conference held on September 4, 2025, at the RMRDC Boardroom in Abuja, Prof. Muonso emphasized that Nigeria must now prioritize value addition in its raw materials sector, particularly Shea, a commodity in high global demand across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry.
“Nigeria produces over a million metric tons of Shea nuts annually, with over 90 percent exported raw. This must change,” he said. “Instead of just counting volume, we should be counting value, value that creates jobs, strengthens our currency, and drives innovation.”
The DG announced the immediate launch of a nationwide women cluster training program aimed at empowering rural women across 21 Shea-producing states.
According to him, the initiative will enhance skills in improved Shea collection, processing, and packaging, while also supporting the broader goal of domesticating Shea value chains.
He revealed that RMRDC had developed a comprehensive five-year Shea Development Roadmap in partnership with stakeholders and associations such as the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria. The council has already built capacity among 263 stakeholders and upgraded local processing technologies in key producing states, including Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, and Gombe.
“Women cooperatives in Araromi, Kwara, have also benefited from equipment upgrades developed in RMRDC’s in-house pilot plants,” he added.
Prof. Muonso also highlighted the establishment of a new state-of-the-art Shea refinery in Kudu, Niger State, supported by NEXIM Bank, with the capacity to process up to 30 metric tons of Shea daily.
In response to the federal ban, the DG disclosed that the Niger State Government has allocated 10,000 hectares for Shea tree plantations, a move he said would position Nigeria as the world’s top producer of Shea derivatives.
Looking ahead, RMRDC plans to expand technology distribution, continue agroforestry development, and support research farms in collaboration with the Global Shea Alliance and EU-backed programs, Prof. Muonso explained.
“Our collective effort with the Presidency, NEXIM Bank, and local stakeholders will ensure that the next six months mark a turning point in Nigeria’s Shea industry. The time for lip service is over. We are ready to deliver,” Prof. Muonso concluded.