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

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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.

Business

Royal African Society marks 125 years of Africa – Britain Businesses

The anniversary featured the Closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the exchange’s closing bell, alongside high-level sector discussions, fireside chats, the presentation of philanthropy awards and the unveiling of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.

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• Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the Royal African Society

The Royal African Society has marked 125 years anniversary of Africa and Britain businesses and investments at a ceremony held at the London Stock Exchange.

The Wednesday event brought together the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu; Chief Executive Officer of British International Investment, Leslie Maasdorp; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola; Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society, Stella Okotete; and other business, diplomatic and policy leaders.

Chairperson of the Royal African Society, Arunma Oteh, said that the organisation had spent 125 years fostering partnerships between both regions.

Oteh said that the celebration was aimed at deepening collaboration between Africa and the UK while promoting investment, innovation and shared prosperity.

The anniversary featured the Closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the exchange’s closing bell, alongside high-level sector discussions, fireside chats, the presentation of philanthropy awards and the unveiling of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.

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US subjects imports from Nigeria to 12.5% tariff

The tariff affects imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not “imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.”

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The United States has imposed a 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from Nigeria as part of a new trade measure targeting countries it says have failed to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

The tariff affects imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not “imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.”

The measure was announced in a statement posted on the website of the Office of the United States Trade Representative on Thursday.

Nigeria is among the countries subject to the 12.5 per cent tariff, while India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Kingdom will face a lower 10 per cent rate after adopting or committing to implement bans on imports linked to forced labour.

The move follows investigations launched by the USTR in May 2026 into 60 of the United States’ largest trading partners under Section 301 of the Trade Act.

According to the agency, it received more than 1,600 written submissions, held public hearings involving over 100 witnesses, and consulted more than 45 governments before announcing the tariffs.

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MTN Nigeria asks customers to trade old SIM packs for prizes

MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.

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MTN Nigeria has invited customers to bring in old SIM packs, recharge cards, booster cards, dongles, and MTN-branded phones in exchange for prizes.

The telecom giant is running the campaign the under the hashtag #YelloMoments.

MTN launched the campaign on Wednesday, July 23, via its official social media pages, telling followers that items kept in drawers over the years could be worth something.

Customers who participate will also be featured on what MTN described as a “Memory Wall.”

Collection centres across Nigeria

MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.

In Lagos, customers can visit MTN Plaza at No. 1 Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi, or the office at 43 Allen Avenue, Ikeja. In Abuja, the collection point is at No. 4, Medeira Street, Maitama.

In Kano, it is at 2, Civil Centre Road. In Jos, Plateau State, the centre is at Plot 3119, Royalfield Road.

In Asaba, Delta State, the location is KLM 129, Benin–Asaba Expressway. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, customers can go to 234, Old Aba Expressway, Opposite Hannah Fast Food.

In Ibadan, Oyo State, the drop-off point is at MTN Regional Office 1, Olubadan Avenue and Up/Zartech Road, Oluyole Estate.

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