Nigerian farmers hope to spread shea butter wealth Nigerians turn to shea butter as experts say the huge number of shea trees in Nigeria could become a major source of income. Shea butter is consumed worldwide in chocolate, margarine and cooking oil, and cosmetic giants are using it more and more as a natural moisturiser. The global shea butter market is expected to be worth $3.5 billion by 2028, according to Transparency Market research. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES