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Several trucks transporting vegetables to Ghana have reportedly been detained in Nigeria by suspected armed men in Samia, a town in Kebbi State.
According to reports, the incident is linked to rising tensions between traders in both countries. It is alleged that some Nigerian onion traders in Accra recently had their goods prevented from being offloaded by certain Ghanaian traders. In what is believed to be a retaliatory move, the armed men are said to have taken similar action against Ghanaian transporters.
The stranded trucks are carrying perishable produce, mainly onions, raising concerns that the goods may spoil if the situation continues.
The drivers typically purchase their goods from Galimi, a farming community in the Niger, before transporting them through Nigeria, into Benin, onward to Togo, and finally to Ghana.
Reports indicate that the drivers have been held for nearly three days and are appealing to the Ghanaian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to intervene urgently.
Speaking to Citi News, one of the drivers, Awudu Tiajni, expressed concern over the situation.
“We’ve been locked here for almost three days. Our goods are perishing. We are appealing to the government for help,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Fuseini Atiiga explained that the tensions are also linked to disagreements over the distribution model for trucks arriving from Nigeria to Ghana. According to him, around 52 trucks are brought into Accra and shared among trader associations, but the majority reportedly go to one particular association, a development Nigerian traders have opposed.
The situation has heightened concerns over cross-border trade relations and the potential financial losses facing affected traders and transporters.
