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.
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.