From mercy Peter
The Federal Government has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent temporary suspension of raw shea exports as a bold and strategic policy designed to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s shea industry and position the country as a global leader in the shea economy.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Tuesday while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 20th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference in Minna, Niger State. Idris, who hails from Niger State the epicenter of shea production in Nigeria was represented at the event by the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
According to the Minister, the suspension of raw shea exports is “not a mere policy experiment but a bold and forward-looking measure aimed at unlocking the full potential of our rural economy.”
He explained that by insisting on increased local processing of shea, the administration intends to ensure Nigeria which contributes more than 50 percent of global shea output transitions from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a leading producer of high-value shea products.
“This decisive step will stimulate local investment, drive technology transfer, and accelerate the development of processing capacity,” Idris said.
“It will also create quality jobs for our youth and women in rural communities, boost foreign exchange earnings, and deepen Nigeria’s participation in global value chains.”
The Minister commended the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) for aligning with the President’s vision, assuring that the Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for the industry to thrive.
He stressed that the shea policy is a key component of President Tinubu’s broader economic renewal agenda, anchored on accountability, inclusivity, and national re-orientation.
Speaking on the theme of the ICAN conference, “Socio-Economic Potentials, Accountability and National Re-Orientation: Unlocking Nigeria’s Future,” Idris emphasized that accountability remains the foundation of every thriving society.
He urged Nigerians to commit to positive values, hold institutions accountable, and put the nation first in order to achieve lasting development.
The Minister also highlighted reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
He noted that flagship projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Superhighway, the Badagry Sokoto Superhighway, the rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor, and the establishment of Regional Development Commissions exemplify fairness and equitable distribution of resources under the current administration.
On the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, one of President Tinubu’s four legacy projects, Idris revealed that about 125 kilometres of the road will be constructed in Niger State, further underscoring the project’s national reach and strategic value.
The Minister also pointed to ongoing financial reforms, including the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), which he said are restoring discipline in public finance management.
He added that Nigeria’s steady climb in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index from 145th in 2023 to 140th in 2024 reflects the administration’s progress in blocking leakages, enhancing transparency, and promoting accountability.
Idris further highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate as landmark reforms that have eliminated long-standing avenues of waste, while redirecting national resources toward investments that improve the lives of Nigerians.
He called on accountants and other professionals to serve as strategic partners in the country’s re-orientation drive, stressing that their expertise and leadership are critical in fostering a culture of accountability and good governance.
“The Federal Government remains firmly committed to transparency, good governance, and national renewal,” Idris assured.
“We invite professionals across all sectors to join us in promoting accountability and driving sustainable development for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
