Nigeria Bans Raw Shea Nut Exports to Boost Skincare

Nigeria has stopped selling raw shea nuts to other countries. This new rule will help Nigeria make more money from shea butter. Shea butter is used in many things like lotion and shampoo.

The ban on shea nuts will last for six months. After that, the government will decide if it should continue. Other countries in West Africa also have rules about selling shea nuts.

Nigeria wants to sell more shea butter and oil. This can help people in the villages get jobs. The government says this is good for Nigeria's economy.

Nigeria makes a lot of shea nuts, about 40% of the world's supply. But it does not make much money from shea products. Nigeria only makes 1% of the money from selling shea products around the world.

One expert said Nigeria needs to invest more in local factories. The export ban alone does not guarantee more shea nuts for Nigerian processors. This new rule seems different from what the president usually does about trade.