Nigeria has resumed onion exports to Ghana after the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) lifted its suspension on cross-border shipments, reopening an important agricultural trade route between the two West African markets.

The decision, announced on August 19, follows consultations involving the trade ministries of Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic authorities, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other stakeholders. The move is expected to restore the flow of Nigerian onions into the Ghanaian market and provide relief to traders, farmers, processors and transporters affected by the disruption.

The suspension had disrupted onion supply chains and contributed to supply pressures in Ghana, where Nigerian onions represent an important source of market supply. The dispute was linked to difficulties experienced by Nigerian and Nigerien traders in accessing the Ghanaian market, particularly concerning the reception, allocation and offloading of consignments at Kotoku Market. Concerns were also raised over the safety of traders, transporters and their goods.

NOPPMAN said the decision to lift the suspension followed renewed engagements aimed at establishing a more sustainable framework for cross-border onion trade. Nigerian exporters and transporters have been encouraged to resume operations peacefully while complying with applicable laws, customs procedures, phytosanitary requirements and ECOWAS trade protocols.

The association has also called on stakeholders in Ghana to ensure the safe reception, lawful movement, fair market access and uninterrupted offloading of legitimate Nigerian and Nigerien onion consignments. Any future disagreements are expected to be addressed through dialogue and established dispute-resolution mechanisms rather than actions that could disrupt legitimate regional trade.

The resumption highlights the importance of stable agricultural trade corridors across West Africa. For Nigerian onion producers and exporters, Ghana represents a significant regional market, while Ghanaian buyers benefit from renewed access to established supply networks from Nigeria.

The development also reinforces the role of ECOWAS trade arrangements and broader African trade frameworks in facilitating the movement of agricultural commodities across borders. Maintaining predictable market access, efficient customs procedures and safe transport routes will be critical to reducing disruptions and strengthening regional food supply chains.

With the suspension now lifted, traders and exporters can resume shipments while both sides work towards resolving the underlying operational challenges and establishing a more reliable environment for Nigeria-Ghana agricultural trade.