The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has voiced concern about the small profits that are derived from onion sales in Nigeria even though it’s one of the top producers in Africa. Nigeria produces over 2 million tonnes of onions every year. However, the majority of them are sold in uncooked form. This is the primary cause of the lower profits.

Participating in a participatory discussion held in Gombe which was geared towards the development of an export strategy for onions, the Executive Director of NEPC Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by Mustapha Umar Faruk, addressed the issues that the value chain for onions faces. The topic of onion farming is widespread across regions like the North East, North West as well as the North Central regions, yet there are obstacles to making the most of its potential due to lack of processing capabilities and strategies for export.

The Ms. Ayeni pointed out that even though the value chain of onions encompasses a variety of actors, ranging from logistics firms to farmers the majority of Nigerian onions are sold in their natural condition. The lack of value added in the form of processing products like onion paste powder, dehydrated flakes as well as other products, greatly reduces the profit margins of the earnings from exports.

The NEPC is focused on engaging with stakeholders to create the Onion Export Strategy document to tackle these issues. The aim is to increase Nigeria’s competitive advantage on the international market since other countries are increasingly capitalizing from the trade in onions.

Madame. Ayeni reaffirmed NEPC’s commitment to its “Double Your Export” initiative, which is aimed to revamp the industry of onions to improve the quality of exports. The Commissioner of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Nasiru Aliyu, was awestruck by the NEPC’s work and encouraged farmers to boost their cultivation. Sale Sadauki, President of the Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of choosing high-end seeds to ensure better storage and exportability.

Alhaji Sani Pantami, the North East Chairman of Onion Producers applauded NEPC to increase the understanding of the farmers as well as other stakeholders about international standards of market regarding onion production as well as packaging. The goal of this initiative is to give producers the abilities to boost their manufacturing processes as well as manage the market for exports successfully.

When Nigeria strives to grow its non-oil exports onion industry is a viable way to grow. Through strategic planning partnership, investment, and partnerships, Nigeria can elevate its onion business from a low-profit business to one that contributes significantly to the economy of the country.

Source: Daily Trust