The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has lifted its suspension on onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana with immediate effect following renewed efforts to resolve challenges affecting cross-border trade.
The association announced the decision in a public notice signed by its President, Aliyu Maitasamu, on Wednesday.
Maitasamu said the move followed consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Trade of Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic authorities, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other institutions.
NOPPMAN had earlier suspended onion exports to Ghana over unresolved challenges faced by Nigerian and Nigerien onion traders and exporters operating in the Ghanaian market.
The concerns reportedly centred on the reception, allocation and offloading of onion consignments at Kotoku Market, as well as the safety and uninterrupted movement of legitimate cross-border traders.
Explaining the decision, Maitasamu said the association acted after further engagements with stakeholders and in response to measures being taken to establish a more sustainable framework for onion trade between the two countries.
“Onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana may resume with immediate effect,” he said.
The NOPPMAN president urged Nigerian exporters and transporters to conduct their activities peacefully and comply with applicable laws, regulations, trade procedures and agreed market arrangements.
He also advised exporters to maintain proper documentation and observe the requirements of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ECOWAS, phytosanitary authorities, customs and other relevant trade bodies.
The association, in turn, called on stakeholders in Ghana to reciprocate by ensuring the safe reception, lawful movement, fair market access and uninterrupted offloading of legitimate Nigerian and Nigerien onion consignments.
Maitasamu urged parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and established mechanisms rather than intimidation, obstruction, violence or retaliatory actions.
“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,” he said.
The suspension had raised concerns among traders and other stakeholders over disruptions to the movement of onions and other agricultural commodities across West African borders, particularly through Kotoku Market, a major destination for onion consignments.
Nigeria and Ghana are major participants in regional trade under the ECOWAS framework, while AfCFTA provides a broader platform for promoting intra-African commerce.
NOPPMAN said the resumption of exports was aimed at supporting ongoing efforts to establish a permanent and mutually acceptable framework that would protect producers, exporters, transporters, marketers and consumers in the affected countries.
