Senator Muhammad Bima has expressed optimism that the shea butter sector can favourably rival the oil industry in driving Nigeria’s economic growth if given the right attention by the Federal Government.
He noted that Nigeria accounts for 53 percent global output of the commodity.
Bima who represented Niger South, stated this in a chat with journalists in Minna, highlighting shea butter’s versatility in domestic and industrial uses.
He explained that Nigeria’s shea butter sector is a goldmine waiting to be tapped with the country being the world’s largest producer of shea nuts.
According to him, unlocking the sector will help diversify the economy and generate wealth for citizens.
The global market of sjea butter is valued at $2.17 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow 7.1 percent annually from 2023 to 2030.
Bima stated, “According to the Vox pop conducted, the shea butter sector of the Nigerian economy has the potential to generate wealth and employment opportunities for large numbers of people but was hitherto neglected until, I commenced my advocacy on it during the 9th Assembly.”
He also noted that through his advocacy, a number of farmers in Niger State took the opportunity and are currently engaged in commercial farming of shea butter trees, especially in his senatorial district.
“The shea butter which is produced from shea nuts serves variety of purposes ranging from domestic essentials to industrial ingredients and is coveted by global cosmetics companies for its amazing moisturising properties; an increasingly sought after ingredient for smoothing, nourishing hair, skincare and many more,” he added.
Bima then commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s agricultural development efforts to boost food production in Niger State.
