Nigeria bans export of shea nuts used in beauty creams for six months

Nigeria has imposed a six-month ban on the export of shea nuts, a key ingredient in various beauty products. The decision aims to encourage the country's transition from being the world's largest exporter of raw shea nuts to producing more refined shea butter. Shea nuts are a valuable commodity, used in the production of high-end cosmetic and personal care items. Nigeria's move is part of an effort to add more value to its agricultural exports, rather than just selling the raw material. By processing the shea nuts into shea butter, Nigeria hopes to increase its economic benefits from this lucrative industry. The temporary export ban is expected to provide an opportunity for local processors to expand their operations and meet the growing global demand for shea butter. This shift towards value-addition is seen as a way to boost Nigeria's economic diversification and create more employment opportunities within the country's shea industry.