The National President of the Nigerian Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), Aliyu Isa Maitasamu, has raised concerns over the alleged harassment of Nigerian traders in Ghana.
He spoke amid the seizure of trucks transporting onions and the subsequent suspension of exports to the country.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Maitasamu said Nigerian traders operating at the Kotoku Market in Accra, capital of Ghana, have repeatedly faced intimidation and interference from some trade groups, disrupting normal business activities.
He said the situation recently escalated after a dispute between traders from both countries led to the impounding of trucks carrying onions belonging to Nigerian merchants.
Describing the development as a violation of established trade practices, the NOPPMAN president noted that the incident heightened tension and resulted in significant losses for traders.
In response, the association announced an immediate suspension of onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana.
“The decision to suspend exports has become necessary to protect our members from continued harassment and to prevent further economic losses,” Maitasamu said.
He added that the suspension would remain in effect until a safe, fair, and lawful trading environment is guaranteed for Nigerian traders in Ghana.
The NOPPMAN leadership also called on authorities in both countries, as well as relevant regional bodies, to investigate the incident, ensure the safety of traders, and facilitate dialogue between the parties.
Maitasamu, however, dismissed reports alleging that armed men intercepted trucks conveying onions to Ghana, describing such claims as unfounded and inconsistent with the facts of the situation.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to lawful trade and regional cooperation, expressing optimism that timely intervention would lead to a resolution and the eventual resumption of cross-border onion trade.