Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s shea value chain as part of broader efforts to promote industrialization, agro-processing, and economic empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The initiative received renewed attention during the National Shea Programme Stakeholder Sensitization Session, chaired by Jumoke Oduwole and hosted by Anthony Atuche, Managing Director of NCX Nigeria.
The stakeholder engagement brought together key actors across the shea ecosystem to discuss strategies for enhancing local value addition, expanding processing capacity, and increasing the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil economy.
Speaking at the session, stakeholders emphasized the importance of developing a more competitive and inclusive shea industry capable of generating jobs, supporting rural livelihoods, and increasing export earnings. Particular attention was given to the role of women, who constitute a significant proportion of participants in the shea value chain, from harvesting and processing to marketing.
The National Shea Programme is expected to support efforts to deepen domestic processing, reduce reliance on raw commodity exports, and encourage investment in value-added products that can compete in regional and international markets.
Industry leaders and policymakers at the event also highlighted the potential of the shea sector to contribute to sustainable economic growth while promoting greater participation of women-owned enterprises and community-based producers.
The sensitization session forms part of ongoing government initiatives aimed at unlocking opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural value chains and accelerating economic diversification through targeted industrial and trade policies.
