Nigerian onion traders have suspended exports to Ghana indefinitely as a trade dispute between both countries deepens.
The National Onion Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPMAN) announced the suspension through its national president, Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu.
The traders are calling on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene and help resolve the disagreement.
The development comes as onion prices in Nigeria continue to rise, raising concerns about its impact on farmers, traders and consumers.
Maitasamu said the suspension followed the failure of earlier efforts to resolve the dispute.
He said onion exports will remain suspended until Nigeria and Ghana reach an agreement on the rules governing the trade.
The traders say the decision is not aimed at disrupting regional commerce.
Instead, they want authorities to address the challenges faced by Nigerian onion traders in Ghana.
NOPMAN has therefore called for ECOWAS intervention and urgent action from the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments.
The dispute goes beyond traders at the border.
Farmers, transporters, exporters, wholesalers and retailers all depend on the onion trade.
A prolonged suspension could therefore affect the entire supply chain.
NOPMAN warned that continued disruption could cause significant financial losses across the sector.
The association said restoring onion exports would help protect livelihoods and rebuild confidence in cross-border agricultural trade.
The latest suspension follows another disruption in April 2026.
Nigerian onion traders halted shipments to Ghana after reports of harassment and the alleged seizure of onion-laden trucks at the Kotoku Market in Accra.
The traders said their members faced intimidation and unfair treatment.
NOPPMAN then ordered an immediate halt to shipments along the Ghana corridor.
The association called for the protection of Nigerian traders and the enforcement of regional trade agreements.
The latest export dispute comes as Nigerian consumers already face higher onion prices.
According to the July 2026 Nairametrics Food Price Watch, the price of a big bag of onions rose from ₦75,000 in June to ₦105,000 in July.
That means the price increased by ₦30,000 in one month.
The increase represents a ₦30,000 in one month.
Traders linked the increase to seasonal shortages in northern producing states.
Heavy rainfall also affected harvesting, storage and transportation in some producing areas.
The price survey covered major Lagos markets, including Mushin, Daleko, Mile 12 and Oyingbo.
The numbers show the pressure already facing the onion market.
₦75,000 — price of a big bag in June.
₦105,000 — price in July.
₦30,000 — increase within one month.
40% — month-on-month price increase.
If the export disruption continues, traders and consumers will watch the market closely for further price changes.
However, the current price increase is also linked to seasonal shortages and weather-related challenges. It would therefore be too early to attribute any future price movement solely to the Ghana trade dispute.
NOPMAN wants Nigeria and Ghana to reach a clear and mutually acceptable agreement on onion trade.
The traders also want better protection for legitimate Nigerian businesses operating in Ghana.
The association has asked ECOWAS to mediate the dispute.
It believes regional intervention could help restore trade and prevent similar disruptions in the future.
The duration of the export suspension will depend on negotiations between Nigeria and Ghana.
Until an agreement is reached, Nigerian onion traders say exports to Ghana will remain suspended.
The dispute also highlights wider challenges facing cross-border trade in West Africa.
For farmers and traders, stable access to regional markets is important for protecting income.
For consumers, the major concern is whether continued disruption will add to already rising food prices.
The latest figures show that a big bag of onions has already reached ₦105,000, after rising by 40% in one month.
The coming weeks will show whether the Nigeria-Ghana trade dispute puts further pressure on the onion market.
