By Awyetu Asabe
Nigeria remains Africa’s second-largest onion producer after Egypt, with annual output estimated at 2.1 million metric tonnes, the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has said.
The national president of the association, Alhaji Aliyu Isah, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Isah said Nigeria’s annual onion production is valued at about ₦1.17 trillion, noting that the crop is a major contributor to the country’s agricultural economy and rural livelihoods.
According to him, Nigerian onions are exported across West and Central Africa, as well as to some European markets, placing the country among the continent’s leading producers, second only to Egypt.
He commended the Federal Government for supporting onion farmers through improved seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals, which he said have helped stabilise production and market prices.
Isah said partnerships with relevant ministries and agencies have improved farmers’ training and access to modern agricultural practices, while efforts are ongoing to reduce non-tariff barriers along regional trade corridors.
He added that the association is working to strengthen cooperation among farmers, marketers, processors and exporters to build an efficient onion value chain.
The NOPPMAN president also disclosed that collaboration with customs authorities has improved cross-border trade, while partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council aims to reduce export costs and streamline logistics for processed onion products.
He said there is a need to expand onion processing facilities to boost value addition and increase export earnings.
NAN
