Global onion exports rose 15.5 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 to 472,000 metric tons, valued at about US$5 billion annually. While demand is expanding, Nigeria, one of Africa's top producers, is struggling to meet even domestic needs due to counterfeit seeds, flooding, and erratic rainfall.
In Jigawa state, the country's second-largest onion producer, losses are estimated at N1 billion (US$660,000) from poor seed quality. Ibrahim Musa, a farmer in the state, said much of his crop failed to germinate. "Farmers have lost billions due to counterfeit onion seeds. This will not just affect farmers' incomes, it will exacerbate scarcity and push prices higher for everyone," said Aliyu Maitasamu Isah, president of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN).
Nigeria produces about two million tons of onions annually, consumed almost entirely within the country. But climate shocks have worsened shortages. Heavy flooding across northern states destroyed fields valued at N300 billion (US$198 million). Erratic rainfall has further disrupted growth cycles, leaving plants exposed to disease. "The prolonged rains devastated onions at different growth stages. Many farmers are heavily indebted and cannot repay loans. Others may exit onion farming entirely," said Dauda Marma, chairman of the Jigawa Onion Farmers Association.
Meanwhile, other exporters are expanding. Morocco's shipments rose nearly sixfold in 2024/25 to US$238 million, up from US$38 million a year earlier. By contrast, Nigeria faces post-harvest losses of up to 40 per cent in some states due to limited cold storage and infrastructure. Farmers report counterfeit seeds entering through Kebbi and Yobe states, with packets of imported quality seed now costing about N180,000 (US$118) for 500 grams, up from N20,000 in 2022. Many smallholders are unable to afford them.
Onions remain central in Nigerian cuisine, and scarcity has pushed prices higher for consumers. With more than 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, further spikes could worsen food security concerns. Industry groups warn that without reforms, shortages could match the 2020 crisis, when prices quadrupled.
NOPPMAN has urged tighter regulation of seed imports and greater investment in irrigation, cold storage, and credit access. Some growers in Jigawa plan to establish a dedicated onion market in Marma to attract regional buyers. "Onions are not just another vegetable. They are central to our food system, our culture, and our economy. If this sector collapses, the consequences will be felt across the country," Isah said.
Source: Business a.m.