Lagos: The Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) has highlighted a significant shortfall in Nigeria’s cold chain infrastructure, stating that the country requires at least 25,000 refrigerated trucks to address existing gaps. This was revealed by OTACCWA President, Mr. Alexander Isong, during his keynote speech at the Cold Chain Roundtable on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure held in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Isong emphasized that post-harvest losses in Nigeria, which account for over 40% of annual food production, could be substantially reduced with the deployment of a minimum of 25,000 cold trucks. The economic loss due to spoilage is a staggering N3.5 trillion annually, with the cold chain sector operating at less than four percent of its capacity, valued at just ?160 billion.
Isong pointed out that Nigeria currently has fewer than 1,000 refrigerated trucks. The deficiency is not only a logistical issue but also a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climate vulnerabilities. Farmers and traders face significant challenges, with perishable goods such as tomatoes and fish spoiling rapidly due to inadequate cold storage and transportation.
He further explained that Nigeria’s existing cold storage facilities are nearly non-existent, with a need for 100 large cold rooms, each with a 500-tonne capacity, to start mitigating post-harvest losses. The country loses an estimated $9 billion annually due to inadequate cold chain logistics in agriculture and pharmaceuticals combined.
The roundtable also addressed the impact of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and energy instability on the cold chain crisis. While solar-powered solutions offer potential relief, they remain susceptible to equipment degradation and inconsistent sunlight. Isong underscored the necessity for climate-resilient, energy-efficient systems and called for increased investment in modular cold centers, mobile refrigerated units, and smart technologies.
Ms. Victoria Epelle, Trade Advisor at the Danish Consulate, also spoke at the roundtable, stressing the importance of partnerships with stakeholders to advance the cold chain sector. The Danish Consulate has prioritized cold chain focus through awareness and networking, aiming to facilitate dialogue, projects, and opportunities within the sector.
