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.
The National President of the association, Alhaji Aliyu Isah, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
Isah said, “Nigeria currently produces about 2.1 million metric tonnes of onions annually, with a value of 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, as well as to some European markets.
He described onion production as a major contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural economy and rural livelihoods, noting that government interventions have helped stabilise production and market prices.
He commended the Federal Government for supporting farmers through improved seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals.
The NOPPMAN National President said 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 is committed to fostering cooperation among farmers, marketers, processors, and exporters to build a strong, integrated, and efficient onion value chain.
Isah further said that collaboration with customs authorities had improved trade corridors and facilitated cross-border movement.
He disclosed that the association is partnering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to reduce export costs and streamline logistics for exporting processed onion products.
According to him, collaboration with partners from Ghana, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso has improved cross-border trade, and there is a need to expand onion processing facilities to increase value addition.
He revealed that improved marketing strategies and export promotion are 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 is planning to scale production capacity and improve members’ welfare through strategic initiatives.
Isah, who is also the President of the Regional Observatory Body of Onion in West and Central Africa, said the association is the primary body representing the onion value chain in Nigeria.
He said its objectives include boosting local production, enhancing processing capabilities, fostering international trade, and protecting the welfare of onion farmers and marketers.
He urged youths to consider onion farming and agribusiness as viable career paths for employment and wealth creation.
He emphasised that agriculture offers opportunities beyond job searching, citing his own transition into onion farming after graduation. He added that participation in government agricultural programmes helped build his success in the sector.
He further revealed that the association had trained farmers on good agricultural practices and provided access to quality inputs, adding that market access initiatives have helped farmers scale production and improve income.
Isah expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon lead onion production in Africa.
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