The Raw Materials Research and Development Council says it is working to ensure that the Federal Government’s suspension of raw shea nut exports drives long-term growth in the shea value chain and the wider economy.

Director-General of the Council, Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, said in Abuja on Thursday that the agency has received critical inputs from stakeholders and is taking steps to address them.

Among the major initiatives, he noted, is a nationwide mapping of shea trees to generate data on available volumes and quality variations.

“The second thing that we are going to do is to conduct a special mapping of shea trees in the country based on the quantity available and also the qualities,” Ike-Muonso stated.

The mapping exercise, according to the Council, will equip investors and processors with reliable data to guide investment decisions in the shea processing sector.

It also plans to convene stakeholders to review and update the expired five-year shea industry roadmap, with a focus on ensuring sustainable supply as more processors and investors enter the market.

“In the next two weeks, we are going to be rallying all stakeholders for a review of the five-year roadmap, which has now elapsed,” Ike-Muonso stated.

The RMRDC further disclosed plans to empower women, who form the bulk of shea nut collectors, through targeted capacity-building initiatives. ““The third thing we are going to do is to launch a national women cluster cooperatives to train women,” Ike-Muonso said, explaining that the programme is designed to enhance the quality of nuts harvested and processed, while boosting women’s participation in the industry.

In addition, the Council will spearhead shea cultivation projects and is engaging international partners to support the expansion of shea plantations across the country.