Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the Nigerian Federal Government to impose a total ban on the export of unprocessed raw materials. In a Facebook post, Gumi stated that Nigeria's mineral resources should be processed locally to create maximum value. He emphasized that the nation's resources are for Nigerians and should be utilized to benefit the country. Gumi's suggestion aims to promote local processing, create jobs, and develop industries.
Gumi's proposal applies to the entire resource sector, including petroleum. With Nigeria having both public and private refineries, he believes the country should process its resources domestically. This approach would enable Nigeria to expand its tax base, create jobs, and retain more value within the economy. Instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished products, Gumi advocates for local processing to boost economic growth.
The cleric's submission aligns with the Federal Government's push for value-addition. The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has been promoting a 30% Value-Addition Bill. This bill requires at least 30 percent local processing before minerals can be exported, aiming to compel investment in local processing plants and generate jobs. The government seeks to encourage investment in local processing to maximize the country's economic benefits.
In August 2025, the government imposed a six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts. This move aims to transform Nigeria from an exporter of raw nuts to a global supplier of refined shea butter and derivatives. The ban is part of the government's efforts to promote local processing and add value to the country's natural resources. This policy change is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Gumi also linked the resource policy to sovereignty and foreign relations. He suggested that Nigeria should reconsider its cooperation with countries that falsely accuse Nigerian Muslims of committing genocide against Christians. Such countries, he argues, should not benefit from Nigeria's strategic mineral resources. Gumi emphasized the importance of prioritizing Nigeria's national interest and sovereignty.
The cleric's statement highlights the need for Nigeria to leverage its natural resources in line with its national interest. He stressed the importance of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs. By prioritizing local processing and value-addition, Nigeria can maximize its economic benefits and promote sustainable development. This approach would enable the country to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and retain more value within the economy.
Gumi's call for a ban on exporting unprocessed raw materials has sparked a national conversation. The proposal has implications for Nigeria's economic development and foreign relations. As the government considers Gumi's suggestion, it must balance the need for economic growth with the need to protect the country's sovereignty and national interest. The outcome of this debate will likely have significant impacts on Nigeria's economy and international relationships.
Key points
- Sheikh Gumi urges a total ban on exporting unprocessed raw materials to create maximum value and jobs locally.
- The proposal aligns with the Federal Government's push for value-addition and job creation.
- Gumi links the resource policy to sovereignty and foreign relations, emphasizing Nigeria's national interest.
