Nigeria launches new onion storage facility to curb post-harvest losses
A 10,000-tonne capacity plant opens in Kano as farmers struggle with spoilage and market delays.
NIGERIA – Nigeria has launched a major onion storage facility in Kano State, a move meant to reduce the country’s high rate of post-harvest losses and improve returns for farmers.
On April 14, Minister of Industry and Investment John Owan Enoh officially opened the facility in Dawakin Kudu.
The plant, built by Indian company PRISM Foods Limited at a cost of 10 billion naira ($6.2 million), can hold up to 10,000 tonnes of onions.
“By providing a reliable storage solution for onions and other perishable products, this facility will play a key role in the country’s agricultural development,” said Minister Enoh during the launch.
Nigeria, West Africa’s top onion producer, faces annual post-harvest losses of about 50 percent. Despite producing 1.53 million tonnes in 2021, much of the yield never reaches the market in good condition.
The new storage is expected to reduce losses, especially in the north where the majority of onions are grown.
Kano State, where the facility is located, is the fifth-largest producer with an annual contribution of 124,440 tonnes, following Adamawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
A 2023 study conducted in Kaduna State highlighted the causes behind these losses. In addition to the lack of proper storage, the study noted widespread damage from pests and diseases, as well as mishandling during transport.
“Diseases and pests such as black mold, crown blight [Colletotrichum], Stemphylium leaf blight, purple spot and damping-off also cause significant post-harvest losses in onions. Bruising [or bruising] of onions, usually caused by improper transport and packaging, also leads to significant post-harvest damage and losses,” the study report reads.
Experts suggest that addressing these problems requires a broad approach. Alongside better storage, they recommend improved packaging, proper training on harvesting practices, and access to quality farm inputs like resistant seed varieties and fungicides.
Across the border, Senegal is preparing for a record onion harvest in 2025. The country expects to produce 450,000 tonnes, according to Industry and Trade Minister Serigne Guèye Diop. Local demand stands at 350,000 tonnes, which means the upcoming season could result in a surplus.
To manage this growth and reduce spoilage, Senegal has launched its first onion dehydration plant. The US$35.4 million facility, built by SAF Ingredients in Ross Béthio, was inaugurated in February.
It can process up to 50,000 tonnes of onions per year into powder and strips, meant for both local use and regional export.
With new investments in storage and processing, both Nigeria and Senegal are working to support farmers and improve vegetable supply across West Africa.
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