Nigeria’s Export Ban on Raw Shea Nuts: Economic Protectionism or Misguided Intervention?

In a bold move that echoes interventionist economic strategies rather than true free-market principles, Nigeria has imposed an immediate six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts. This critical crop, foundational to the $6.5 billion global market for shea products, is now being withheld from international buyers with the government's stated goal of transforming Nigeria into a global hub for refined shea butter and other skincare ingredients. Vice President Kashim Shettima framed the ban as a "pro-value addition" policy designed to stimulate job creation in rural areas and secure raw materials for domestic processors. However, this intervention risks disrupting...