The National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, NOPPMAN, has concluded arrangements to organise its 6th International Onion Conference.
The conference themed “The Onion Sector in the Era of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS): Challenges and Opportunities,” is scheduled to hold on 15th and 16th October 2024, at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National President of NOPPMAN, Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu Isah.
Meanwhile, the association’s President, had earlier announced, that between April and September 2024, NOPPMAN exported onions valued at N107,913,480,000.00 (approximately $69,030,994.15).
It, however, added that “these transactions occurred outside the formal financial and export system.
The statement further stated, that “This prestigious event will gather stakeholders across the onion value chain, including farmers, processors, distributors, researchers, policymakers, and international delegates, to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within the sector.
A key focus will be formalising the onion sub-sector to better integrate it into global trade systems.
The conference, according to the statement, will also feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and growth in the onion industry.
“We expect over 300 international participants from more than 25 member countries of the Regional Observatory of the Onion Sector in West and Central Africa, alongside approximately 5,000 local participants.
The Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, will grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Ph.D., ACIT, FCNA, will serve as the Chief Host.
According to the statement; “Your Excellency’s presence and insights will inspire meaningful dialogue, and NOPPMAN will be deeply honoured to have you share your vision for the future of agricultural development and trade in Africa.
