The price of onions in Nigeria has surged dramatically, with a 120kg bag of fresh onions rising from about ₦30,000 in April 2026 to ₦300,000 in October.
The increase represents a 900 per cent rise in six months, adding to the pressure on households, food vendors and traders already grappling with high food costs.
According to a report by *Vanguard*, a market survey at Mile 12 International Market in Lagos found that a large sack of fresh onions was selling for about ₦300,000. Dried onions were reportedly more expensive, with prices ranging between ₦350,000 and ₦380,000.
The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) attributed the sharp increase to inadequate storage facilities, fires at warehouses in northern Nigeria and significant post-harvest losses.
The association’s national president, Aliyu Isah, said more than 51 per cent of the onion harvest was lost between April and October, reducing the quantity available to meet market demand.
He also blamed losses linked to unsuitable seeds reportedly introduced during the 2024–2025 growing season, which he said had affected farmers and contributed to losses estimated at nearly ₦100 billion.
Isah explained that the price surge was not necessarily due to insufficient national production, but rather the large volume of onions lost before the next harvest season.
He said discussions had taken place with relevant government institutions over support for onion farmers, including access to seeds and other agricultural inputs.
The association expects fresh supplies from Sokoto and Kebbi states in the coming months, with the main harvest season anticipated around March and April. Increased supply could help ease prices, although improved storage facilities and timely intervention would be needed to prevent similar losses in the future.