By Rasheeda Hamidu
The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has inaugurated a solar-powered cold room in Sagbokoji, Lagos State, to improve fish preservation, reduce post-harvest losses and promote clean energy in coastal communities.
The facility was inaugurated on Tuesday in Sagbokoji, a riverine fishing community in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, according to GEF-SGP UNDP officials.
GEF-SGP UNDP Programme Assistant, Mrs. Rose Agbo, said the newly installed 3-horsepower solar-powered cooling engine complements an existing 26kW solar photovoltaic system supported by a 22kVA inverter and 50kWh battery storage installed between 2024 and 2025.
Agbo explained that the expansion followed requests from women fish processors, who said the solar-powered freezers installed in 2024 could no longer meet growing demand.
She said the intervention had enabled women in the community to replace traditional fish preservation methods that relied on charcoal and firewood with cleaner solar-powered refrigeration.
“With an additional 3hp solar-powered cooling system, it is now being powered solely by 100 per cent solar power with battery energy storage and inverter systems, and the women are now able to preserve more of their products,” Agbo said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Energy Forum, Dr. Daniel Adeuyi, described the project as a practical demonstration of how renewable energy investments can improve livelihoods while strengthening sustainable community development.
Former President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Engr. Adekunle Makinde, urged the community to maintain the facility, while NIEEE President, Engr. Felix Adeboye, encouraged development partners and corporate organisations to replicate similar projects in underserved communities.
Leader of the Fish Sellers Association in Sagbokoji, Mrs. Jiselle Azankpo, thanked GEF-SGP, UNDP and project partners, saying members had tested the upgraded cold room and confirmed that it was functioning efficiently.
NatureNews reports that expanding solar-powered cold-chain infrastructure can reduce food losses, cut greenhouse gas emissions from conventional energy sources and improve the resilience of Nigeria’s coastal fishing communities.
