Nigerian exporters have indefinitely halted onion shipments to Ghana, citing severe market restrictions, truck seizures, and mounting economic friction along West Africa’s primary agricultural trade corridor.
The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association disclosed the suspension through its president, Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, in Sokoto, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
Nigerian merchants recorded N1.2 billion in losses due to deliberate offloading delays at Accra’s Kotoku Market, where local associations allegedly restricted foreign shipments while prioritizing local produce.
“Exporters recorded losses of about N1.2 billion as a result of the destruction and slow offloading,” Maitasamu said. “They keep trucks waiting until onions go bad while offloading theirs immediately.”
Nigeria generates 2.1 million metric tonnes of onions annually, representing a vital supply pillar alongside Niger and Mali, which together produce 86% of West Africa’s total yield.
Despite recent ministerial dialogue involving trade officials from Ghana, Nigeria, and Niger, local market administrators refused to lift restrictions, limiting offloading to just two trucks per day.
Traders have called on the Economic Community of West African States to intervene, warning that non-tariff trade barriers violate regional integration protocols and risk triggering severe consumer price spikes in Ghana.
“Suspension will remain until an acceptable agreement is reached,” Maitasamu added. “This action aims to draw attention to difficulties faced by traders and secure a lasting regional solution.”
