Farmers warn of possible onion price surge ahead of Christmas

Onion farmers and traders have warned that prices of the staple commodity may rise further as Christmas approaches, driven by increased demand and delayed harvests in some producing states.

The Kaduna State chapter of the National Onions Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) said the yuletide season is already putting pressure on supply. The state secretary of the association, Amir Adamu, disclosed this during an interview with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.

According to him, onion prices currently differ across states. In Kaduna, bags of old onions harvested around July and August are selling for between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000, while freshly harvested onions from Sokoto State now cost between ₦80,000 and ₦100,000 per bag.

Mr Adamu attributed the higher price of the Sokoto variety to strong demand and its limited availability at this time of the year.

He added that prices could rise further because some border states are yet to begin harvesting onions. “Onions are expensive in the North at the moment due to high demand,” he said, noting that any significant price drop is unlikely in the short term.

While he explained that prices may gradually ease from January when farms in Kebbi State begin harvesting, he stressed that relief would be minimal. “Before now, a bag of old onions sold for between ₦30,000 and ₦40,000 in the North, but prices are much higher this year because of demand,” he said.

Mr Adamu warned that the festive season could push prices up even more, adding that a noticeable reduction may only be seen between January and March 2026.

Currently, a bag of onions is sold for between ₦100,000 and ₦130,000, compared to ₦70,000 to ₦100,000 recorded a few months ago.