The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described President Tinubu’s temporary suspension of raw shea exports as a bold, strategic decision to unlock the industry’s economic potential and position Nigeria as a global leader in the shea economy.
Idris stated this while speaking at the 20th Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference in Minna, Niger State.
Represented by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Minister said; “the policy would unlock the full potential of the rural economy and create quality jobs for youth and women in rural communities.”
He noted that Niger State, the hub of shea production in Nigeria, stands to benefit tremendously from the initiative.
The Minister highlighted the benefits of the policy, including Stimulating local investment and driving technology transfer, accelerating the development of processing capacity, creating quality jobs for youth and women in rural communities, boosting foreign exchange earnings, deepening Nigeria’s participation in global value chains.
Idris emphasised the importance of accountability in every thriving society and called on citizens to commit to doing things differently.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability, including the use of the Treasury Single Account and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
In a related development, the Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the ICAN Zonal office and training center in Minna.
Governor Bago pledged to contribute N150 million, representing 50% of the estimated N300 million required for the project.
The centre will provide training and research facilities for accounting professionals in the region .
The ICAN President, Dr. Haruna Nma Yahaya, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support and assured him that “the investment would yield positive results.”
Hauwa Abu