The price of onions in Nigeria has risen sharply, with a 120kg bag reportedly increasing from ₦30,000 in April to about ₦300,000 in October 2026, raising concerns about food affordability and weaknesses in agricultural storage.
The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria attributed the increase partly to poor storage facilities, warehouse fires in northern Nigeria and losses linked to unsuitable seeds used during the 2024–2025 growing season.
The association estimated that more than 51 per cent of harvested onions were lost between April and October. It also said the seed-related crisis had caused losses estimated at nearly ₦100 billion.
At Lagos’ Mile 12 market, the report put the price of a large sack of fresh onions at approximately ₦300,000, while dried onions reportedly sold for between ₦350,000 and ₦380,000.
The association said discussions had taken place with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Bank of Agriculture and the Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund on possible support for seeds and other farm inputs. However, the proposed intervention had not yet reached the association at the time of the report.
Supplies from Sokoto and Kebbi are expected to increase towards the end of the year and early 2027. Industry stakeholders say improved storage, better-quality seeds and timely support will be important to reducing future losses and stabilising prices.
