Business

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

Published

3 months ago

February 25, 2026

301 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

Tony Elumelu’s United Capital Secures approval to operate in Ethiopia

Elumeu lauded the transformational Prime Minister of Ethiopia, His Excellency @AbiyAhmedAli , for promoting economic reforms and regional cooperation, the Director General of Ethiopian Capital Market Authority @CMAEthiopia , Ms. Hana Tehelku, and the team at @UnitedCap on this landmark achievement.

Published

8 hours ago

June 9, 2026

OCHEFA

12 Views

United Capital Group has again secured regulatory approvals to commence operations in Ethiopia.

Its Chairman, Tony Elumelu, broke the news on Tuesday, via his official X.

” This development is particularly noteworthy because Ethiopia only recently opened its financial sector to foreign participation, making United Capital’s entry a historic step for both the company and the ongoing integration of African capital markets,” said Elumelu.

Last month, United Capital commenced operations in Rwanda, marking its formal entry into East Africa and reinforcing its ambition to build a leading continental financial services institution.

The Group’s newly established entities include United Capital Trustees Rwanda Limited, licensed to provide trusteeship services, and United Capital Financial Services Rwanda Limited, licensed to offer investment management services, including portfolio management, investment advisory, capital mobilisation, capital market advisory, and fund management solutions.

With this development, United Capital now operates in 11 countries, including Nigeria, with a strong presence in key African markets, a recent expansion into the eight countries within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region, alongside a growing footprint in East Africa.

According to Elumelu, African institutions are increasingly leading, competing, and succeeding across the continent.

For decades, Africa witnessed foreign capital flowing in while profits largely flowed out.

That narrative is beginning to change.

This is Africapitalism in action — a vision that recognizes the importance of both indigenous and international capital working together to finance Africa’s development and unlock shared prosperity.

Business

Lagos developing world – class new business district —Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was deliberately building a globally competitive economy driven by innovation, infrastructure and private-sector participation.

Published

12 hours ago

June 9, 2026

OCHEFA

19 Views

• Invest Lagos Summit 3.0: Secretary to the Lagos State Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin (right); Member, House of Representatives, Kafilat Ogbara; Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake; Chairman, Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council (CWEIC), Lord Jonathan Marland; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sam Egube, Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and members of the State Executives Council at the opening of Invest Lagos 3.0, themed: “Lagos – The Business Gateway to Africa”, in Lagos, yesterday.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that as part of efforts to deepen access to global capital, his administration is developing the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC), envisioned as a world-class financial district that would strengthen the state’s position as a gateway for investment into Africa.

Speaking yesterday at the third edition of the Invest Lagos Summit, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, other governors, foreign investors, development finance institutions and business leaders, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was deliberately building a globally competitive economy driven by innovation, infrastructure and private-sector participation.

Sanwo-Olu said that the state had recorded significant economic progress in recent years through targeted reforms across transportation, digital infrastructure and industrial development.

Highlighting key infrastructure achievements, Sanwo-Olu cited investments in road networks, waterways and rail transportation, describing them as critical enablers of economic growth and investor confidence.

The governor noted that Lagos was increasingly serving as a gateway to African markets and global capital, positioning itself at the centre of continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, Lagos remains one of the continent’s most strategic economic hubs, with a population exceeding 25 million and a gross domestic product steadily approaching the $300 billion mark.