Nigeria Customs Moves to Unlock Growth in Onion Exports

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced plans to remove barriers and streamline processes that have hindered the country’s onion export sector, valued at about N1.17 trillion. Officials said the move aims to support farmers and exporters by improving trade efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s position in regional markets.

In discussions with representatives of the Regional Observatory of Onion in West and Central Africa, the Comptroller-General of Customs emphasized the agency’s commitment to working with other government bodies to ensure smoother export procedures. Concerns about transit corridors and cross-border trade routes are being addressed to reduce delays and disruptions.

Customs also plans to implement better corridor management systems, combining data tracking with infrastructure support to maintain roads affected by heavy cargo movement. These improvements are expected to benefit smallholder farmers, aggregators, and agro-export SMEs.

Industry stakeholders welcomed the initiative and called for continued coordination to ensure predictable trade flows, compliance, and proper documentation across borders. Effective implementation could make Nigeria’s onion trade more competitive and increase earnings for producers and exporters.