Nigerian onion traders have resumed exports to Ghana following renewed engagements aimed at resolving challenges that had disrupted cross-border trade between the two countries.
According to The Punch, the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) lifted its suspension on onion exports to Ghana with immediate effect after consultations with the Ministries of Trade in Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic authorities, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other relevant stakeholders.
NOPPMAN had suspended exports following difficulties faced by Nigerian and Nigerien onion traders in accessing the Ghanaian market. The concerns centred particularly on the reception, allocation and offloading of onion consignments at Kotoku Market, as well as the safety and uninterrupted movement of legitimate traders. NOPPMAN President Aliyu Maitasamu said the decision to resume exports followed further consultations and steps towards establishing a more sustainable framework for cross-border onion trade.
The association has urged Nigerian exporters and transporters to operate peacefully and comply with relevant laws, trade procedures and market arrangements. Exporters were also advised to maintain proper documentation and comply with AfCFTA, ECOWAS, phytosanitary and customs requirements. NOPPMAN also called on Ghanaian stakeholders to ensure the safe reception, lawful movement, fair market access and uninterrupted offloading of legitimate Nigerian and Nigerien onion consignments.
The resumption is expected to support the movement of agricultural commodities between the two West African markets and strengthen regional trade under the ECOWAS and AfCFTA frameworks. NOPPMAN said the ultimate objective is to establish a permanent and mutually acceptable framework that protects producers, exporters, transporters, marketers and consumers across the affected countries.
