Nigeria ranks second in Africa for onion production as customs pledges export support

NIGERIA – Nigeria produces about 2.1 million metric tonnes of onions annually, placing it second in Africa after Egypt, according to the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria.

The association values the annual output at N1.17 trillion, about US$780 million.

National President Aliyu Isah said Nigerian onions move across West and Central Africa and reach selected markets in Europe. “Onion farming supports rural families and plays a strong role in our agricultural economy,” he said.

He added that farmers benefit from better access to improved seeds, fertiliser, and crop protection products, which help maintain stable production and supply.

Isah said the association works closely with government ministries and agencies to train farmers and promote better production methods. He noted that members also engage customs authorities to ease cross border trade.

NOPPMAN continues to promote cooperation among growers, processors, marketers, and exporters to strengthen the onion value chain. The group also works with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to lower export costs and improve logistics for processed onion products. It maintains partnerships with stakeholders in Ghana, Niger, and Burkina Faso to support regional trade flows.

Isah said expanding processing capacity and increasing value addition form part of the association’s 2026 plan. “Stronger value chains will raise farmer income and increase national revenue. Young Nigerians should see farming as a real economic option,” he said. He also expressed confidence that Nigeria can become Africa’s largest onion producer with greater youth participation.

Customs commits to remove trade barriers

The Nigeria Customs Service has also pledged support for onion exports. Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi announced measures to address non tariff barriers and operational limits that affect trade flows during a meeting at the Customs House in Abuja.

Nigeria produces more than 1.4 million metric tonnes of onions annually, with an estimated value above N1.17 trillion, about US$780 million. However, exporters continue to report logistics delays, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory issues that slow cross border shipments.

Adeniyi said the Service will remove identified non tariff barriers and work with other agencies to improve export processes. He confirmed that discussions also covered transit corridors, including routes in the North East and along the Kamba axis, following concerns raised by operators in Benin and Niger.

For growers and exporters, these steps may improve logistics planning and boost cross border supply chain efficiency in the onion trade.

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