Cost Of Onions Per Bag And Basket In Nigeria (July 2024)

The cost of onions per bag and basket in Nigeria has gone through the roof because of rising inflation and an unstable economy. Across most states in the country, a 100kg bag of onions now costs between N80,000 to N100,000.

Many Nigerian recipes depend on onions, and the price of onions can have a big effect on the price of food in the country as a whole.

Whether you are preparing jollof rice, stew, or fried plantains, onions play a vital role.

But how much do they cost? For many families, onions are now a luxury item.

This post will talk about how much onions cost in Nigeria per bag, per kilogram, and per basket, what makes them so expensive, and how that affects the country’s income.

Also See:

How Much Is One Bag Of Onions In Nigeria?

It costs ₦80,000 to ₦100,000 per bag (100 kg) and ₦4,000 to ₦6,000 per small dustbin basket to buy onions in Nigeria as of July 2024.

How Much is a Sugar Bag Of Onions

Onions are also sold in sugar bags which are about 30kg, and the cost of a sugar bag of onions is between N25,000 to N30,000

Prices do change across different states, though, because of differences in demand, supply, and the cost of transportation.

Regional Prices Of Onions Per Bag In Nigeria

Price differences between regions are mostly caused by the cost of transportation, how close the region is to onion-growing areas, and the demands of the local market.

Let’s see below Onion prices by state in Nigeria

Lagos:  The price of a bag of onions in Lagos state is between ₦60,000 to 80,000 per bag (100kg)

Kano: A bag of onion costs ₦50,000 to ₦60,000 per bag (100kg) in Kano State.

Abuja: A bag of onion costs between ₦55,000 to ₦65,000 per bag (100kg) in Abuja.

Port Harcourt: You can buy a bag of onions in Port Harcourt from anything between₦70,000 to 80,000 per bag of 100kg.

Benin City: A bag of onions sells between₦80,000 to ₦95,000 in Benin City

How Much Is A Bag Of Onions In Sokoto?

In Sokoto, Bags of onions are a little cheaper because of nearest to farming areas. A bag of onions in Sokoto cost from ₦50,000.

Price Of Onions Per Kg In Nigeria Today

Since a household cannot possibly make use of a bag of onions because it will be too much and may get spoiled, most homes rely on small quantities like small baskets and kilogram sales of onions.

A kilogram of onions costs between ₦1,500 to ₦2,500 depending on your location, you can get 1kg of onions for as low as ₦1,000 in some northern states like Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto due to the closeness to harvest areas.

Onion price per pound in Nigeria

One kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds, so the price of onion per pound should be between ₦3,300 to ₦5,500 depending on the location you are making the purchase.

Wholesale onion prices in Nigeria

Wholesale prices can fluctuate depending on factors like location, quality, and quantity. For example, if you are buying onion in wholesale from the northern part of Nigeria, prices are relatively cheaper than buying wholesale from the southern part of Nigeria.

An 100kg bag of onions costs between ₦50,000 to ₦65,000 when buying many bags from states like Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and others. While when making wholesale purchase of bags of onions from the south, it cost between ₦65,000 to ₦80,000 per bag.

Why Is Onion Expensive In Nigeria?

The current high cost of onions in Nigeria can be linked to several factors including:

Less Supply:

Droughts and other weather problems in Nigeria’s and nearby countries’ main onion-growing areas may affect the harvest yields of onions thereby pushing the price up, some farmers complained that this year’s 2024 heat wave affected their harvest yield.

Increasing Demand:

As the population grows, so will the need for onions. When supply and demand are not balanced, prices will change.

Seasonality:

Onion prices tend to be higher during the dry season (November to April), when there are fewer onions available and cheaper during the rainy season.

Costs of Transportation:

The rising cost of fuel and transportation can also make onion prices at market stands go up.

Prices change based on how far and how quickly goods are transported from farms to markets.

Insecurity:

Onion farming has been restricted in some northern states as a result of the insecurity the region is currently experiencing, some farmers have left onion farming to other areas of occupation because they can no longer go safely to their farms to plant and harvest this has resulted to shortage of supply, and when supply is short, price increase.

Types of Onions in Nigeria

There are three primary varieties of onions that are traded often in Nigeria:

Red Onions

The type of onion that is most extensively consumed and utilized in Nigeria is the red onion. They have a reputation for having a pungent flavor and are a common ingredient in a variety of Nigerian recipes.

White Onions

In comparison to red onions, white onions have a more subdued flavor, and they are frequently used in preparing salads and the garnishing of dishes.

Yellow Onions

Yellow onions are less common than white onions, but they are highly prized for their versatility in the kitchen. They give a flavor profile that is a mix between sweet and pungent.

Which State Is The Largest Producer Of Onion In Nigeria?

Sokoto state is the largest onion-producing state in the country, accounting for approximately 20% of overall production while employing approximately 8% of the total acreage farmed for onions.

Nigeria is the seventh largest onion grower in the world and the second largest in Africa, generating 2 million Metric Tonnes yearly according to Aliyu Maitasamu Isah, the National President, National Onion Producers Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria.

It was in Sokoto that the nation’s first indigenous onion and garlic processing facility was established, which signified a significant production hub.

But Kebbi State is also significant for the following reasons:

Aliero, which is one of the largest onion markets in Nigeria, is located in Kebbi, which indicates that there is a great amount of output.

It is reasonable to believe that Sokoto and Kebbi are ahead of the pack when it comes to the production of onions in Nigeria.

Where To Buy Onions In Bulk In Nigeria

Among the best states to buy onions in wholesale in Nigeria are the local markets in northern states such as Kaduna, Sokoto, Jos, Kano, Jigawa, and others. 

Sabon Gari market in Kano, Zaria, and Kafanchan markets in Kaduna are some of the most well-known markets where you may get onions in bulk at more affordable prices.

The pricing at these markets is reputed to be competitive, and they are noted for their fresh products.

In addition, you have the option of purchasing onions directly from the farms. This choice is especially advantageous if you reside near onion-producing regions, such as the Northern states of Nigeria.

Purchasing onions directly from the farms guarantees that you will receive the freshest onions at a more affordable price.

When Are Onions Cheap In Nigeria?

The harvest season in Nigeria, which typically occurs between the months of October and December, is when onions are considered to be at their most affordable.

The reason for this is that there is an increased amount of onions available on the market, which is causing prices to decrease.

Alternatives To Onion

As the cost of onions per bag and basket in Nigeria keeps going up uncontrollably, Nigerians are beginning to seek alternatives to the use of onions in their cooking.

The following are some alternate onion options that you might want to explore, depending on your budget and availability:

Spring Onions: Onions with a softer flavor called spring onions are a fantastic choice for salads or garnishes because of their gentler flavor.

Leeks: When used in some dishes, leeks can impart a comparable level of depth, despite the fact that they have their own unique flavor.

Shallots: Shallots are smaller onions that pack a more explosive taste punch and can be used sparingly. Shallots are a type of onion.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Using Onions

The present costs of onions may put a strain on your finances; nevertheless, there are alternatives to incorporate this necessary ingredients into your meals without completely blowing your budget:

Plan Your Meals: You can save money by planning your meals such that they revolve around ingredients that are in season and can be purchased at a bargain price. You could look for recipes that include other veggies that have a lot of taste in addition to onions, but in lower quantities.

Buy Smaller Quantities: Unless you have a large family or cook in bulk, it is best to purchase smaller quantities of onions, such as 1 kilogram or 2 kilograms, to prevent onions from going bad and to avoid spending money that isn’t necessary.

Storage Advice: Onions have a shelf life that can be extended by properly storing them. To avoid spoilage, make sure to keep them in an area that is cool, dry, and has adequate ventilation.

Repurpose the Scraps: Don’t throw away the peels and ends of the onions. You may use them to add flavor to your meals.

Consider the Alternatives: Itis possible that certain meals could be modified to accommodate replacements such as garlic, scallions, or bell peppers, depending on the flavor character that is sought.

Conclusion

The cost of onions per bag and basket in Nigeria as of July 2024 varies across regions and markets, with the national average price standing at between ₦80,000 to ₦80,000 per bag (100kg) and ₦4,500 to ₦6,000 per basket.

The current increase in onion prices in Nigeria presents a challenge for budget-conscious cooks. However, knowing the factors behind the price hike and employing some creative strategies to replace or reduce onion use, you can still incorporate this versatile ingredient into your meals without breaking the bank.

We will continue to monitor onion prices across different parts of Nigeria and provide information to reflect any changes in the market.