The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has stated that Nigeria remains Africa’s second largest onion producer after Egypt, with annual production estimated at 2.1 million metric tonnes valued at approximately N1.17 trillion.
The National President of the association, Alhaji Aliyu Isah, disclosed this in an interview in Abuja, noting that Nigeria’s output places it among the continent’s leading producers, with Nigerian onions exported across West and Central Africa as well as some European markets.
Isah described onion production as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural economy and rural livelihoods, adding that government interventions had helped stabilise production and market prices. He commended the Federal Government for supporting farmers with improved seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals.
He said partnerships with relevant ministries and agencies had strengthened farmers’ training and improved access to modern agricultural practices, while stakeholders were working to reduce non-tariff barriers along regional trade corridors to ease movement of produce.
The NOPPMAN president added that the association was committed to fostering cooperation among farmers, marketers, processors and exporters in order to build a strong, integrated and efficient onion value chain. He noted that collaboration with customs authorities had enhanced trade corridors and facilitated cross-border movement.
Isah disclosed that the association was partnering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to reduce export costs and streamline logistics for processed onion products. He added that collaboration with partners from Ghana, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso had strengthened cross-border trade, while stressing the need to expand onion processing facilities to boost value addition.
He revealed that improved marketing strategies and export promotion would form a central part of 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.
Isah also disclosed that the association was planning to scale up production capacity and improve members’ welfare through strategic initiatives. He noted that as President of the Regional Observatory Body of Onion in West and Central Africa, he oversees efforts to strengthen coordination across the sub-region.
He explained that the association serves as the primary body representing the onion value chain in Nigeria, with objectives focused on 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, emphasising that agriculture provides opportunities beyond conventional job seeking. He cited his own transition into onion farming after graduation as an example, stating 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 had enabled farmers to scale production and improve income.
