Business

President Tinubu Extends Ban on Raw Shea Nut Exports by One Year to Boost Local Processing

Published

4 months ago

February 25, 2026

309 Views

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, effective from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.

The decision, announced in a State House press release by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reinforces the administration’s focus on industrial growth, domestic value addition, and the broader goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The extended ban is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s processing capabilities for shea nuts, improve livelihoods in shea-producing communities across the Savanna belt, and shift exports toward higher-value products such as shea butter.

Processed shea butter, valued for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, serves as a key ingredient in cosmetics, skincare, hair products, and edible oils—and commands prices 10 to 20 times higher than raw nuts.

To support effective implementation, President Tinubu has directed the Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to develop and coordinate a unified, evidence-based national framework.

This framework will align industrialisation, trade, and investment strategies across the entire shea nut value chain.

The President has also endorsed the export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and ordered the immediate withdrawal of all existing waivers that previously permitted direct exports of raw shea nuts.

Going forward, any excess or surplus raw shea nuts must be exported exclusively through the NCX in line with its approved guidelines.

In a related measure to enhance local capacity, President Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to establish access to a dedicated Non-Oil Export Stimulation Support (NESS) Window.

This facility will enable the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at bolstering production and processing capabilities in the sector.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to policies that drive inclusive economic growth, promote local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a stronger, more competitive player in global agricultural value chains.

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Business

Exchange Rates Today Friday, 12 June

Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,397
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,850

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2026

OCHEFA

45 Views

Official CBN Exchange Rates

US Dollar (USD) ₦1,363. 83

Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,821. 25

EURO (EUR) ₦1,572. 90

SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,706. 49

JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.50

CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201.20

West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.40

West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,857. 45

SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦363. 29

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.61

Black Market Rates

US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,397 Sell ₦1,405

Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,850 Sell: ₦1,870

EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,587 Sell ₦1, 607

Canadian Dollar (CAD) Buy ₦1,030 Sell ₦1,100

South African Rand (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90

UAE Dirham Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370

Chinese Yuan Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200

Ghana Cedi (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110

West African CFA Buy ₦2, 380 Sell ₦2, 460

Central African CFA Buy ₦2, 220 Sell 2,300

Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900

Business

Airtel launches data calculator to counter depletion complaints

Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said that the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.

Published

4 days ago

June 11, 2026

OCHEFA

60 Views

Airtel Nigeria has launched the Airtel Web Data Calculator, a new digital tool designed to help customers estimate and better understand their internet data consumption based on real-life usage patterns.

Available through Airtel’s website, the calculator enables customers to estimate data usage across common digital activities such as video streaming, social media engagement, voice and video calls, and everyday web browsing.

Speaking on the launch, Oladokun Oye, Customer Experience Director, Airtel Nigeria, said that the initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to customer empowerment and service transparency.

“As Nigerians become increasingly dependent on digital services for work, education, entertainment and communication, it is important that customers have clear visibility into how their data is consumed.

The Airtel Web Data Calculator was developed to help our customers understand their usage patterns better, make informed choices, and enjoy greater confidence in their digital experience,” he said.

Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.

“The future of telecommunications will be defined not only by network investments but also by how effectively operators help customers understand and manage their digital lives. The Airtel Web Data Calculator represents a practical innovation that places more information and control directly in the hands of our customers.” He said.

Business

Kingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria

Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.

Published

4 days ago

June 11, 2026

OCHEFA

61 Views

Bluecode Africa, the European payments infrastructure operator backed by leading US and European institutional investors, has named Prof Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu as Chairman of the Advisory Board of its Nigerian subsidiary, Bluecode Payments Nigeria Limited as the company formally enters the Nigerian market.

The appointment was jointly announced by Chris Pirkner, Founder of Bluecode, and Odin Krismayr, Managing Director of Bluecode Africa, who described it as a foundational governance decision for the company’s Nigerian and continental operations.

Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.

He led the team that introduced the unique-identifier Bank Verification Number (BVN), enrolling 50 million banking users, simplifying Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and doubled Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate from 33 to 60 per cent.