BoI, RMRDC Join Forces to tackle Onion Losses with New Facility

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has partnered with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to establish a dedicated onion processing facility aimed at tackling Nigeria’s high post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition in the agricultural sector.

During a strategic visit to the BoI headquarters in Lagos, the Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, said the facility would convert surplus fresh onions into processed products such as onion flakes and powder for both domestic and export markets.

He noted that Nigeria, despite being one of Africa’s largest onion producers, suffers post-harvest losses of more than 50 per cent due to inadequate storage systems, limited processing capacity, and weak market infrastructure. The planned facility, he said, would address these gaps by preserving excess produce, reducing waste, and generating employment opportunities in onion-producing regions.

Professor Ike-Muonso explained that the project aligns with the federal government’s goals of driving agricultural industrialisation and improving national food security. He emphasised that processed onion products have a longer shelf life, are easier to transport, and hold higher commercial value than raw onions.

BoI’s Managing Director, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, welcomed the initiative and underscored the need for thorough groundwork before implementation. He said both institutions would carry out extensive feasibility studies and market research to ensure the facility is viable, sustainable, and impactful.

“The success of this project depends on careful evaluation of local supply chains, technological inputs, and market readiness,” Olusi said. “We are committed to supporting innovations that drive agro-industrial growth and economic inclusion.”

Beyond reducing waste, the facility is expected to improve farmer incomes, stabilise onion prices, and position Nigeria to tap into the growing global demand for processed food ingredients.

This partnership builds on RMRDC’s recent collaboration with the University of Benin to boost the commercialisation of raw materials and intermediate inputs for local manufacturing, further underscoring the council’s commitment to value chain development across multiple sectors.