Nigerian onion traders resume exports to Ghana

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has lifted its suspension on onion exports to Ghana, allowing trade to resume immediately. This decision follows renewed engagements aimed at resolving challenges that had disrupted cross-border commerce.

NOPPMAN had previously halted exports due to difficulties faced by Nigerian and Nigerien onion traders in Ghana. These issues primarily involved the reception and allocation of onion consignments at the Kotoku Market, along with concerns over the safety and unimpeded movement of traders. The association stated that the suspension was lifted after consultations with various stakeholders, including the ministries of trade from both Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic bodies, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana may resume with immediate effect.

Aliyu Maitasamu, NOPPMAN's President, announced the resumption of exports, emphasizing that the decision was made in view of steps being taken to establish a more sustainable framework for cross-border onion trade. He urged Nigerian exporters and transporters to conduct their business peacefully, adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, trade procedures, and agreed market arrangements. Exporters were also advised to ensure proper documentation and comply with requirements under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ECOWAS, and phytosanitary regulations.

The association called for reciprocal cooperation from stakeholders in Ghana, requesting the safe reception, lawful movement, fair market access, and uninterrupted offloading of legitimate onion consignments from Nigeria and Niger. NOPPMAN stressed that any disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and appropriate dispute-resolution mechanisms, rather than through intimidation, obstruction, or violence. The resumption of trade is seen as a positive step for regional commerce under ECOWAS and AfCFTA frameworks.

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Any disagreement or dispute arising from the conduct of onion trade should be addressed through dialogue, consultation and the appropriate dispute-resolution mechanisms, rather than through intimidation, obstruction, violence or retaliatory measures.