The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria says Nigeria remains Africa’s second largest onion producer after Egypt, with annual production estimated at 2.1 million metric tonnes.

Aliyu Isah, national president of the association, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Isah said that Nigeria currently produces about 2.1 million metric tonnes of onions annually, valued at approximately N1.17 trillion.

According to him, Nigeria is among Africa’s largest onion producers, second only to Egypt. Nigerian onions are exported across West and Central Africa and some European markets.

He described onion production as a major contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural economy and rural livelihoods, noting that government interventions had helped stabilise production and market prices.

He commended the federal government for supporting farmers through improved seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals.

The NOPPMAN national president said that partnerships with ministries and agencies had improved farmers’ training and access to modern agricultural practices, adding that stakeholders were working to reduce non-tariff barriers along regional trade corridors.

He also said that the association was committed to fostering cooperation among farmers, marketers, processors, and exporters to build a strong, integrated, and efficient onion value chain.

He further said that collaboration with customs authorities had improved trade corridors and facilitated cross-border movement.

He disclosed that the association was partnering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to reduce export costs and streamline logistics for the export of processed onion products.

According to him, collaboration with partners from Ghana, the Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso has improved cross-border trade, and there is also a need to expand onion-processing facilities to increase value addition.

He revealed that improved marketing strategies and export promotion were central to the association’s 2026 agenda.

”Strengthening the value chain will enhance farmer income and national revenue, and young Nigerians are encouraged to embrace agriculture, because farming offers viable economic opportunities. Youth participation can drive innovation and increase productivity in the sector,” he said.

He also disclosed that the association was planning to scale production capacity and improve members’ welfare through strategic initiatives.

Mr Isah, also the president of the Regional Observatory Body of Onion in West and Central Africa, said that the association was the primary body representing the onion value chain in Nigeria.

He said that its objectives focus on boosting local production, enhancing processing capabilities, fostering international trade, and protecting the welfare of onion farmers and marketers.

He urged the youths to consider onion farming and agribusiness as viable career paths for employment and wealth creation.

Mr Isah stated that agriculture offered opportunities beyond job searching, citing his own transition into onion farming after graduation. He said that participation in government agricultural programmes helped him succeed in the sector.

Mr Isah further revealed that the association had trained farmers on good agricultural practices and provided access to quality inputs, adding that market access initiatives helped farmers scale production and improve income. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon lead Africa in onion production.  

(NAN)