Nigeria, Sept. 14 -- Nigeria's sudden ban on raw shea nut exports is hurting farmers, exporters and investors, according to a new policy brief from the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), which urged the government to adopt a phased approach.

According to the brief released on Sunday by the CPPE chief executive, Muda Yusuf, the ban was introduced without consultation and has triggered sharp disruptions in the supply chain.

Shea nut prices have fallen more than 30 per cent since the measure took effect, eroding the incomes of farmers and aggregators. Exporters are facing possible defaults on contracts and looming loan repayments, while thousands of jobs in cultivation, logistics and trade are under threat.

President B...