Nigeria has intensified efforts to secure a larger share of the global shea industry, taking a prominent leadership role at the Shea 2026: Beyond Borders conference held in Accra, Ghana. This was revealed in a statement from the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), signed by Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture in the Office of the Vice President.
The conference, organized by the Global Shea Alliance from April 27 to 29, brings together governments, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to shape the future of the shea value chain. According to the statement released to journalists on Tuesday, Nigeria is using this platform to assert its position as the world's leading shea producer, contributing approximately 40 percent of global shea nut supply, while aiming to boost its value capture from the sector.
The event was officially opened by Ghana's Vice President, Jane Nana Opoku-Agyemang, who emphasized the importance of coordination among producing countries on trade, investment, sustainability, and value addition. The PFSCU noted that Nigeria's delegation, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, reflects the Federal Government's commitment to repositioning the sector under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shift from Raw Exports to Domestic Processing
Speaking at the conference, Enoh stressed the need to move away from exporting raw materials and importing finished products. “The era of exporting raw nuts while importing finished products must come to an end. The future lies in industrialisation, value addition and regional integration,” he said.
The statement indicated that Nigeria's engagement is based on agro-industrialisation, focusing on boosting local processing, creating jobs, and expanding participation in global markets. Ongoing reforms under the Nigeria Industrial Policy are designed to support domestic processing, strengthen market systems, and attract investment into value-added production.
Rural Development and Environmental Sustainability
Beyond economic benefits, the PFSCU highlighted the shea sector's role in rural development and environmental sustainability. The protection and expansion of shea parklands contribute to afforestation, climate resilience, and livelihoods, particularly for women who dominate production and processing.
Nigeria also used the platform to advocate for stronger regional collaboration among African producing countries to ensure the continent captures more value from the commodity. In a related development, the statement congratulated Ali Saidu of Salid Agriculture Nigeria Limited on his appointment as Chair of the Global Shea Alliance, calling it a milestone for the country.
The PFSCU reaffirmed that Nigeria's participation at Shea 2026 underscores its commitment to advancing agro-industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
