Nigerian onion traders halt exports to Ghana amid trade dispute

Nigerian onion traders have suspended all exports to Ghana due to a persistent trade dispute. The National Onion Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPMAN) has called for urgent intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to mediate the conflict.

Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, the national president of NOPMAN, stated that the decision to halt exports was made after all existing resolution channels were exhausted. He emphasized that the suspension is intended to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the difficulties faced by traders rather than to undermine regional trade. The association noted that the suspension will remain in effect until an amicable and mutually acceptable agreement regarding onion trade modalities is reached between Nigeria and Ghana.

Stakeholders have expressed concern that a prolonged disruption could lead to significant economic losses for various actors in the onion value chain, including farmers, exporters, transporters, and retailers. Maitasamu warned that the dispute could undermine the principles of regional economic integration and urged ECOWAS to facilitate a transparent and enforceable framework to protect legitimate agricultural commerce.