By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Nigeria is ramping up efforts to reposition its agro-industrial sector as a major driver of economic growth, following a high-level engagement between key government officials and Ghana’s leadership on the future of the shea industry.
The Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, who hinted this when he took to his X handle on Tuesday noted that himself, alongside the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, held a closed-door meeting with Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, to explore opportunities for transforming the shea sector into a globally competitive industry.
The strategic discussions, which took place in Ghana, focused on unlocking the vast potential of the shea value chain, an industry that holds significant promise for both countries, particularly in job creation, export expansion, and rural economic development.
At the heart of the meeting was the need to shift from the traditional export of raw shea nuts to a more value-driven model centered on processing, branding, and industrial utilization. Stakeholders emphasized that increasing value addition would not only boost revenues but also position West Africa as a dominant player in the global shea market, where demand continues to rise in sectors such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Enoh described the engagement as a crucial step toward deepening regional collaboration and fostering industrial growth through agro-processing. He noted that Nigeria is committed to building stronger partnerships within West Africa to enhance productivity, improve quality standards, and expand market access for locally produced goods.
The meeting also underscored the importance of policy alignment and investment in infrastructure to support the shea industry’s transformation. Experts have long argued that inadequate processing facilities and limited access to modern technology have hindered the sector’s full potential, despite the region accounting for the bulk of global shea production.
For Ghana, which has made notable progress in organizing its shea sector, the collaboration offers an opportunity to further consolidate its position as a key hub for shea processing and export. For Nigeria, it signals a renewed push to industrialize its agricultural outputs and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports.
Observers say the engagement reflects a broader trend among African nations to leverage regional cooperation in building competitive industries capable of thriving on the global stage. With increasing attention on value addition and industrialization, the shea sector is emerging as a strategic focal point in West Africa’s economic diversification agenda.
Precise Post recalls that the outcome of the talks is expected to pave the way for concrete initiatives aimed at strengthening the shea value chain, boosting investment, and enhancing the livelihoods of millions of farmers and processors, many of whom are women across the region.
