NOPPMAN Suspends Onion Exports Over N1.2bn Losses

The Nigerian Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has suspended onion exports following an estimated loss of N1.2 billion due to delays and restrictions at the Kotoku Market in Ghana. NOPPMAN President Alhaji Isa Aliyu called for an urgent roundtable involving the federal government, ECOWAS, and all countries importing Nigerian onions to negotiate a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at protecting cross-border trade.

Aliyu emphasized the need for a permanent regional framework to prevent recurring trade disruptions, stating that the proposed agreement should cover all importing countries, not just Ghana. He outlined that the MoU should define rules for market access, truck movement, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Currently, Ghana is the only country facing issues with NOPPMAN, as delays have led to the deterioration of consignments and significant financial losses. The association's decision to suspend exports to other destinations is a precautionary measure to avoid similar problems elsewhere.