The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has announced the immediate lifting of its suspension on onion exports to Ghana, following renewed diplomatic and stakeholder engagements to resolve disputes affecting Nigerian traders in the country.

The association said the decision would allow Nigerian onion exporters, transporters and other stakeholders to resume legitimate cross-border trade with Ghana.

The suspension was earlier imposed by NOPPMAN over what it described as unresolved challenges confronting Nigerian and Nigerien onion traders and exporters operating in the Ghanaian market.

Among the major concerns were difficulties in the reception, allocation and offloading of onion consignments at Kotoku Market, as well as concerns over the safety of traders and the uninterrupted movement of legitimate consignments.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday and signed by NOPPMAN President, Alhaji Aliyu Isah Maitasamu, the association said the decision to lift the suspension followed consultations with the Ministries of Trade of Nigeria and Ghana, diplomatic authorities, ECOWAS and other relevant stakeholders.

Maitasamu said the consultations had produced steps towards establishing a more sustainable framework for cross-border onion trade.

“Onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana may resume with immediate effect,” he stated.

While announcing the resumption, NOPPMAN urged Nigerian exporters and transporters to conduct their businesses peacefully and in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations, trade procedures and agreed market arrangements.

The association also advised exporters to ensure that their consignments were properly documented and met AfCFTA, ECOWAS, phytosanitary, customs and other relevant requirements.

NOPPMAN, however, called on stakeholders in Ghana to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring the safe reception and lawful movement of Nigerian and Nigerien onion consignments.

The association specifically appealed for fair market access and uninterrupted offloading of legitimate consignments once they arrive in Ghana.

“Any disagreement or dispute arising from the conduct of onion trade should be addressed through dialogue, consultation and the appropriate dispute-resolution mechanisms, rather than through intimidation, obstruction, violence or retaliatory measures,” Maitasamu said.

The development is significant for onion farmers, traders, transporters and marketers whose businesses depend heavily on cross-border movement of agricultural produce within the West African region.

Nigeria and Ghana are major trading partners within the ECOWAS region, while the AfCFTA framework seeks to promote greater intra-African trade by reducing barriers to the movement of goods and services.

NOPPMAN said the recent engagements should pave the way for a permanent and mutually acceptable arrangement governing onion trade between Nigeria, Ghana, Niger and other participating West African countries.

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According to the association, such a framework would protect the interests of producers, exporters, transporters, marketers and consumers while promoting food security and regional economic cooperation.

The association commended the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments, diplomatic missions, ECOWAS and other stakeholders for their interventions towards resolving the dispute.

NOPPMAN said it remained committed to “peaceful regional trade, food security, economic cooperation” and the protection of the legitimate interests of Nigerian onion farmers, traders and exporters.

It consequently directed its members and other stakeholders to take note of the lifting of the suspension and resume operations in accordance with the relevant trade rules and procedures.