By Abubakar Yunusa
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, has called on the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria to start exporting onion flakes to boost the country’s foreign exchange.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb. Nuru Rimi, made this call at the association’s 4th National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
Rimi, who was represented by the Director of Commodities and Export, Mr. Kaura Irimiya, emphasized the importance of producing onion flakes for exportation.
“By starting to produce onion flakes, we can export them from this country. Whenever we travel abroad, we see people yearning to get some of these products. They prefer the ones coming from Nigeria due to their natural flavor.”
He also promised to collaborate with the association’s leadership to improve onion packaging materials and branding.
“We need to work on that so that our commodities are essential wherever we go in the world,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the significance of exportation in boosting foreign exchange reserves, noting that the government is keen on reducing import levels, particularly regarding onions.
In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Raw Material Research and Development Council of Nigeria, Engr. Emmanuel Kwaya, commended the association for its efforts in increasing onion production in Nigeria over the past three years.
“From the data available to us, you have increased onion production from 2,44000 metric tons in 2020 to about 1.5 million metric tons in 2022. Indeed, this is tremendous progress,” he remarked.
Kwaya also mentioned the council’s support for improving storage facilities to reduce wastage and increase farmers’ benefits.
The Publicity Secretary of the association, Damola Ige, said there is need for government support in providing storage facilities, additional funds, and transportation to prevent losses, especially due to theft during transportation.
“We appeal to the government to help us with storage facilities where we can store our onions because they are perishable goods. If not stored properly, they will spoil,” he said.
