Trade Dispute:  Maitasamu Leads Regional Deal to End Disruptions in West, Central Africa Onion Trade

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto 

President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, NOPPMAN, Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, has led stakeholders in West and Central Africa to sign a Regional Agreement on Cross-Border Onion Trade, Market Access and Dispute Resolution aimed at ending years of losses and disruptions along trade corridors.

The landmark agreement, facilitated by the Regional Observatory of Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, ROO/WCA, brings together NOPPMAN, its counterpart association in Niger Republic, and recognized trader associations in other destination countries across the region. It was signed after extensive consultations to address persistent challenges facing onion traders.

Speaking on the need for the deal, the parties noted in the preamble that onions remain critical to food security, employment and intra-African trade.

They however expressed concern that delays, intimidation of drivers, imposition of unlawful levies and the absence of clear trading rules have continued to undermine the sector despite existing ECOWAS and AfCFTA provisions.

Under the new framework, exporters and receiving traders must agree in writing before any truck departs the point of origin.

The agreement must specify the destination market, offloading point, receiving trader and number of consignments.

Once a truck is dispatched, neither party can unilaterally alter the arrangement without prior consultation.

In a practical move reflecting how trade is conducted, the agreement recognizes WhatsApp messages, SMS and emails as valid written evidence.

The drafters said this provision will reduce cases where trucks are rejected at destination markets after verbal agreements are later denied by receiving parties.

The document also prohibits the blocking, detention or interference with trucks carrying legitimate onion consignments. It provides that any restriction on movement must be based on national law, a directive from customs, police, quarantine or other competent authorities, or a mutual agreement between the parties involved.

To ensure disputes are resolved quickly, the agreement establishes a four-tier mechanism. Issues will first be addressed at market level, then escalated to national associations, and if unresolved, referred to ROO/WCA for neutral mediation. Persistent disputes may be taken to ECOWAS or relevant government institutions.

Because onions are highly perishable, the agreement includes emergency protocols.

Where disputes occur in transit or at markets, priority must be given to immediate offloading, temporary storage or redirecting consignments to alternative markets to prevent losses.

Any party that deliberately allows produce to deteriorate may be held liable.

The deal also provides for compensation. A party that suffers documented financial loss as a result of a material breach can file a claim supported by invoices, storage receipts and proof of market value. Indirect losses and loss of future profits are however excluded under the agreement.

ROO/WCA will serve as the regional coordination and neutral mediation platform but will not be a party to commercial disputes.

Participating countries are to develop Country and Market Schedules detailing recognized associations, designated markets, truck allocation procedures and emergency contacts.

The signatories said the agreement aligns with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Area and will remain in force until terminated by unanimous decision.

A French version will be produced for francophone member states, with implementation to commence once country schedules are finalized.