Trucks transporting onions and other vegetables from Niger to Ghana, which were recently held up in Nigeria, have been released, easing tensions among traders and stakeholders in the subregional agricultural trade.

The trucks, carrying highly perishable goods, were reportedly intercepted by suspected armed men in Samia, a town in Kebbi State. The incident sparked concern among traders and authorities, as prolonged delays in transporting such goods can result in heavy financial losses due to spoilage and disruptions to supply chains.

The situation also raised fears of rising tensions along a key West African trade corridor, which plays a crucial role in the movement of agricultural produce across the region.

Ghana relies significantly on vegetable imports, particularly onions, from neighbouring countries like Niger, making the uninterrupted flow of goods along these routes essential for maintaining market stability and food supply.

Confirming the resolution, Oscar Akaba, National Coordinator of the Cross Border Traders Association, said the issue was addressed through high-level stakeholder engagements.

He explained that the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, in collaboration with Ghanaian onion associations and other relevant parties, convened a meeting to resolve the impasse and prevent further escalation.

“When the issue occurred, we intervened, and the Trade Ministry set up a committee to handle it. As part of the agreement, Nigerian trucks in Ghana were offloaded and are returning, while about 56 of our trucks, which were between Benin and Nigeria, have also been released,” he stated.