Onion Prices Skyrocket to N300,000 Amid Storage Issues and Crop Losses

The price of a 120kg bag of onions in Nigeria has jumped dramatically from N30,000 in April 2026 to about N300,000 in October. This increase of 900% has raised concerns among consumers and producers alike.

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) explained that the price hike is largely due to inadequate storage facilities and fire outbreaks in warehouses in the North. These issues have led to post-harvest losses exceeding 51% during this period.

A recent market survey found that fresh onions at the Mile 12 Lagos international market are now priced at N300,000 per sack, while dried onions range from N350,000 to N380,000. Aliyu Isah, the National President of NOPPMAN, stated that the price surge is not solely due to low production but rather the significant loss of harvested onions before the next planting season.

Isah pointed out that the losses stem from poor storage, fires that destroyed onions in local storage, and unsuitable seeds introduced into Nigeria during the 2024–2025 growing season. He noted that these unsuitable seeds, reportedly from Algeria, caused substantial losses for farmers, estimated at nearly N100 billion.

To prevent further disruptions, Isah emphasized the need for government intervention in the agricultural sector. He mentioned discussions between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Bank of Agriculture, and the Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund regarding support for onion farmers, particularly in seed supply and farm inputs.

Looking ahead, Isah is hopeful that supplies from Sokoto will start arriving in November and December, with additional supplies from Kebbi State expected from late December to January. The main harvest season is projected for March and April. He believes that improved storage facilities and timely government support are crucial to reducing losses and preventing future shortages.