The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has pledged to empower more women within the onion sub-sector by offering specialized training.
This was made known at the 6th International Onion Conference, which NOPPMAN hosted on behalf of the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa (ROO/WCA).
The two-day conference, held on October 15th and 16th, 2024, at the International Conference Centre in Kasarawa, Sokoto State, brought together delegates from fifteen African nations. Attendees included state governors, government officials, and stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
The event, themed “The Onion Sector in the Era of the Domestication of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Pan African Payment Settlement System (PAPSS): Challenges and Opportunities,” focused on key objectives, such as improving market access for onion producers and exporters, fostering financial inclusion, promoting public-private partnerships (PPPs), and tackling post-harvest losses.
Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, emphasized the council’s commitment to increasing Nigeria’s range of exportable products. She noted that the AfCFTA framework presents significant trade opportunities within Africa.
“Sokoto State holds a strategic position due to its proximity to key ECOWAS countries, making it a vital hub for agricultural exports like onions,” she explained.
She further highlighted that global onion exports grew from $4.26 billion in 2019 to $5.1 billion in 2023, underscoring the potential for Nigeria to tap into this lucrative market.
On his part, Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State expressed appreciation for NOPPMAN’s efforts in making the state Nigeria’s top onion producer. He called on both NOPPMAN and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to attract investments in establishing an onion processing factory, assuring that the state government is prepared to offer full support to investors.
NOPPMAN President Alhaji Aliyu Isah Maitasamu described the conference’s discussions as timely and essential for advancing the onion sector across Africa. He emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to harness the opportunities provided by AfCFTA and PAPSS.
During the conference, the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for Nigeria’s onion policy at the conference.
The council’s Director General, Professor Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, highlighted that the document, prepared by experts in various fields, would guide stakeholders in production, processing, and exportation.
Addressing agricultural challenges, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, represented by Commissioner for Agriculture Shehu Muazu, introduced the Kaura Agricultural Development Agenda (KADAGE). Through this initiative, the government has provided farmers with 500 tons of fertilizer and 5,000 solar-powered units to boost agricultural productivity.
During a panel discussion, participants highlighted the challenges onion exporters face, including limited access to formal financial systems due to currency issues. Exporters noted that many transactions rely on informal markets, making it difficult to access official exchange rates. They recommended linking the export trade portal to PAPSS to facilitate easier currency repatriation and reduce the prevalence of smuggling.
The conference also raised concerns about inaccurate production and export data published by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS). Stakeholders urged NAERLS to collaborate with NOPPMAN to ensure accurate data collection for better decision-making.
At the event’s conclusion, the newly elected executives of ROO/WCA were inaugurated, with Alhaji Aliyu Isah Maitasamu becoming the new president.
Outgoing president Alhadji Mustapha Kadiri commended the Sokoto State government for its hospitality and expressed confidence in Maitasamu’s ability to lead the sector effectively.
The conference ended with awards presented to stakeholders for their contributions to the growth of the onion sector.
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