Onion producers resume exports to Ghana after talks

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria has lifted its suspension on onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana with immediate effect, following renewed engagements aimed at resolving challenges affecting cross-border trade.

The association, in a public notice signed by its President, Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, on Wednesday, said the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Trade of Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic authorities, ECOWAS and other institutions.

NOPPMAN had earlier suspended onion exports to Ghana over unresolved difficulties confronting Nigerian and Nigerien onion traders and exporters in the Ghanaian market.

The challenges reportedly centred on the reception, allocation and offloading of onion consignments at Kotoku Market, as well as concerns over the safety and uninterrupted movement of legitimate cross-border traders.

Explaining the decision to lift the suspension, Maitasamu said the association acted after “subsequent engagements and consultations with relevant stakeholders” and in view of steps being taken to establish a more sustainable framework for cross-border onion trade.

“Onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana may resume with immediate effect,” he said.

The NOPPMAN president, however, urged Nigerian exporters and transporters to operate peacefully and comply with applicable laws, regulations, trade procedures and agreed market arrangements.

He also advised exporters to maintain proper documentation and comply with AfCFTA, ECOWAS, phytosanitary, customs and other relevant trade requirements.

The association called on stakeholders in Ghana to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring the safe reception, lawful movement, fair market access and uninterrupted offloading of legitimate Nigerian and Nigerien onion consignments.

“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,” Maitasamu said.

Background

The suspension came amid growing concerns over difficulties encountered by onion traders and exporters from Nigeria and Niger in accessing the Ghanaian market, particularly at Kotoku Market, a major destination for onion consignments.

The development had raised concerns among traders and other stakeholders over the impact of disruptions on the movement of agricultural commodities across West African borders.

Nigeria and Ghana are major participants in regional trade under the ECOWAS framework, while the African Continental Free Trade Area provides a broader platform for strengthening intra-African commerce.

NOPPMAN said the latest decision was intended to support efforts toward a permanent and mutually acceptable framework that would protect producers, exporters, transporters, marketers and consumers across the affected countries.

The association said it remained committed to “peaceful regional trade, food security, economic cooperation and the protection of the legitimate interests of Nigerian onion farmers, traders and exporters.”

It also appreciated the intervention of government authorities, diplomatic missions, ECOWAS and other stakeholders in efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully. The association consequently directed all its members and other stakeholders to take note of the lifting of the suspension and conduct their activities accordingly.