Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has lifted its suspension on onion exports to Ghana with immediate effect, paving the way for the resumption of cross-border trade and opening a fresh chapter in efforts to resolve the lingering challenges confronting Nigerian and Nigerien onion traders in the Ghanaian market.
The decision, announced in a public notice signed by NOPPMAN President, Aliyu Isah Maitasamu, followed extensive consultations with the Ministries of Trade of Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic authorities, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other relevant stakeholders.
NOPPMAN had earlier suspended onion exports to Ghana following unresolved difficulties affecting traders and exporters, particularly disputes over the reception, allocation and offloading of onion consignments at Kotoku Market.
The Association said the situation had generated serious concerns over the safety of traders and transporters, the security of consignments and the ability of legitimate businesses to operate freely and without obstruction within the Ghanaian market.
However, following renewed diplomatic and institutional engagements and assurances towards developing a more sustainable framework for cross-border onion commerce, the Association resolved to lift the suspension and restore exports with immediate effect.
The development is expected to bring relief to thousands of onion farmers, processors, marketers, exporters and transporters whose livelihoods depend on the smooth movement of agricultural commodities across West African borders.
NOPPMAN directed Nigerian onion exporters and transporters to resume operations peacefully while strictly observing all applicable laws, regulations, customs procedures, phytosanitary requirements and established trade protocols governing cross-border commerce.
The Association specifically urged exporters to maintain proper documentation and comply with the relevant requirements under ECOWAS and AfCFTA frameworks, stressing that orderly and lawful trade remains critical to sustaining confidence between trading partners.
While opening the door for renewed exports, NOPPMAN called on stakeholders in Ghana to reciprocate by guaranteeing the safe reception, lawful movement, fair market access and uninterrupted offloading of legitimate Nigerian and Nigerien onion consignments.
It warned against intimidation, obstruction, violence or retaliatory actions, insisting that any disagreement arising from onion trade must be addressed through dialogue, consultation and recognised dispute-resolution mechanisms.
The Association further called for the establishment of a permanent and mutually acceptable framework that would protect the interests of farmers, processors, exporters, transporters, marketers and consumers in Nigeria, Ghana, Niger and other West African countries.
According to NOPPMAN, such a framework would not only prevent recurrent trade disruptions but also strengthen food security, protect livelihoods and promote predictable agricultural commerce within the region.
The Association commended the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments, diplomatic missions, ECOWAS and other stakeholders for their interventions and efforts towards resolving the crisis peacefully.
Maitasamu reaffirmed NOPPMAN’s commitment to peaceful regional trade, economic cooperation, food security and the protection of legitimate Nigerian agricultural interests, urging all stakeholders to seize the opportunity created by the lifting of the suspension to rebuild trust and strengthen bilateral trade relations.
He consequently directed all members and stakeholders to take note of the decision and comply fully with the directive, stressing that the future of West African agricultural trade depends on mutual respect, adherence to agreed rules and the peaceful resolution of commercial disputes.
