Nigeria has resumed onion exports to Ghana after the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) lifted its suspension on cross-border shipments.
The association announced the decision on August 19 following consultations with the trade ministries of Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic authorities, ECOWAS and other stakeholders.
The suspension had disrupted onion supply chains and contributed to higher prices in Ghana, where Nigerian onions account for a significant portion of market supply.
Trade Dispute Resolved
The dispute centred on difficulties faced by Nigerian and Nigerien onion traders at Ghana’s Kotoku Market, including the reception, allocation and offloading of consignments, as well as concerns over the safety and uninterrupted movement of traders.
NOPPMAN said subsequent engagements had created the basis for a more sustainable framework for cross-border onion trade, allowing exports to resume with immediate effect.
The association urged exporters and transporters to comply with applicable laws, customs procedures, phytosanitary requirements, ECOWAS trade protocols and AfCFTA requirements.
It also called on Ghanaian stakeholders to ensure safe reception, lawful movement, fair market access and uninterrupted offloading of legitimate Nigerian and Nigerien onion consignments.
The resumption is expected to provide relief to farmers, processors, marketers and transporters whose businesses depend on agricultural trade between the two West African markets.