A solar-powered cold room has been inaugurated in Sagbokoji, a riverine community in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, to improve fish preservation and reduce post-harvest losses.
The facility was unveiled on Tuesday by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, as part of efforts to support sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities.
Sagbokoji is located opposite Tin Can Island.
Mrs Rose Agbo, GEF-SGP Programme Assistant, said the project involved upgrading existing solar infrastructure earlier installed in the community with a three-horsepower solar-powered cooling system.
Agbo explained that the intervention followed complaints from women fish processors, who said the previous freezers could no longer meet increasing demand.
According to her, the cold room operates entirely on solar energy, supported by battery storage and inverter systems, enabling users to preserve larger quantities of fish for longer periods.
She noted that GEF-SGP currently supports more than 200 community-based environmental and livelihood projects across over 30 states in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Nigeria Energy Forum, Dr Daniel Adeuyi, said the initiative demonstrated the forum’s commitment to translating clean energy discussions into practical solutions.
He added that the upgraded facility would strengthen the community’s cold chain system, reduce waste and boost income for local fish processors.
Adeuyi also called for stronger collaboration among communities, development partners and project developers to ensure sustainability of similar interventions.
Co-Chair of NEF and former President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Mr Adekunle Makinde, commended the community for embracing the project.
Makinde said beneficiaries had confirmed the facility was functioning effectively and pledged responsible use for collective benefit.
President of NIEEE, Mr Felix Adeboye, urged organisations and development partners to replicate such interventions in other underserved communities.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, leader of the Fish Sellers Association, Mrs Jiselle Azankpo, expressed appreciation for the project, noting that the upgraded cold room had been tested and was operating efficiently.
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She assured that the association would ensure proper maintenance of the facility.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that GEF-SGP initially installed a solar-powered cold room in the community in 2024 to replace traditional fish preservation methods reliant on charcoal and firewood.
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