RMRDC, BOI partner to end N500bn onion losses

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council and the Bank of Industry have partnered to tackle the N500bn lost annually to post-harvest loss in the onion industry.

Director-General of the RMRDC, Prof. Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director, BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, in Lagos.

In a statement, Ike-Muonso said the collaboration would establish a processing facility to convert surplus onions into high-value flakes and powder for local consumption and export.

“The development of the onion value chain will be a massive boom for Nigeria,” the RMRDC chief stated.

He also revealed that the Council is exploring other raw materials, such as jute bags with high market value, to support agro-industrial growth.

The two agencies identified inefficient market access, poor storage, and lack of processing infrastructure as major setbacks facing onion production.

They noted that Nigeria produces about two million metric tonnes of onions annually, but up to 50 per cent is wasted due to inadequate storage and processing systems.

According to the BOI boss, “There is a strong willingness to partner with RMRDC,” he said, stressing the importance of “critically evaluating all necessary variables and factors for success” before implementation.

Both organisations agreed to carry out detailed research and feasibility studies aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, increasing shelf life, improving farmer incomes, and unlocking Nigeria’s export potential in onion-based products.

They projected that the planned facility would not only curb waste but also create jobs, support industrialisation, enhance food security, and position Nigeria as a global player in the onion market.

The joint initiative comes amid mounting concerns over the N300bn to N500bn lost annually to waste in the onion sector, a figure experts say could fuel industrial growth if properly harnessed.