FG commissions N298m off-grid solar refrigeration to end vaccine, food storage issues

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said that the newly launched Off-grid Refrigeration Guidelines Pilot Implementation Programme (ORGPIP) will close Nigeria’s cold-chain gaps within three years, tackling vaccine preservation and food storage challenges. Daily Trust reports that the project is funded by the UK government in collaboration with Rural Electrification Agency (REA) […]

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said that the newly launched Off-grid Refrigeration Guidelines Pilot Implementation Programme (ORGPIP) will close Nigeria’s cold-chain gaps within three years, tackling vaccine preservation and food storage challenges.

Daily Trust reports that the project is funded by the UK government in collaboration with Rural Electrification Agency (REA) through a $200,000 grant.

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja on Thursday, Maiha explained that the initiative would link agriculture, health, and livestock development, while boosting livelihoods.

“This project may look small, but its impact will be massive. It will preserve vaccines, drugs, beef, and other livestock products, while also reducing post harvest losses in agriculture. In three years, we expect to see a reliable cold-chain system that reaches even rural communities,” he said.

Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, said the programme goes beyond refrigeration to support national food security and job creation.

“What we are doing here is not just providing off-grid fridges. We are supporting food security, health delivery, and livestock development. This equipment will reduce post-harvest losses, preserve drugs and vaccines, and even create job opportunities at the last mile,” Aliyu said.

Sauda Bobboi, Project Manager of the pilot, said the programme, funded by the UK government and UNEP in partnership with REA, had secured about $200,000 to test energy efficient fridges before expansion.

“The main objective is to accelerate the adoption of climate friendly off-grid refrigeration in rural Nigeria. For this pilot, we’re testing deployment, carrying out market assessments, and engaging communities. In the scale up phase, we’ll influence policies, train technicians, and build a framework to regulate compliant refrigerators,” she explained.

Also speaking, Victor Minguez, representing the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), said the project is part of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and align Nigeria’s cooling sector with global standards.

“Non-compliant fridges consume more electricity and release harmful emissions. By pushing energy efficient fridges into the rural market, Nigeria will reduce costs for communities and contribute to climate goals,” Minguez said.