The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has inaugurated a 3-horsepower (hp) solar-powered cold room in Sagbokoji, a riverine fishing community in Lagos State, to improve fish preservation, reduce post-harvest losses and promote clean energy solutions.
The facility, commissioned on Tuesday, is located in Sagbokoji, an island community in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, opposite Tin-Can Island.
Speaking during the inauguration, GEF-SGP UNDP Programme Assistant, Mrs. Rose Agbo, said the newly installed 3hp solar-powered cooling engine was added to complement the existing 26kW peak solar photovoltaic power generation system, supported by a combined 22kVA inverter and 50kWh battery energy storage system installed between 2024 and 2025.
She explained that the intervention followed requests from women fish processors in the community, who said the capacity of the existing solar-powered freezers installed in 2024 was insufficient to meet growing demand.
According to Agbo, the original project had already helped women in the community transition from traditional preservation methods using charcoal and firewood to cleaner and more efficient solar-powered refrigeration.
“Consequently, we went back to the drawing board with the grant beneficiary to improve on the power supply to the cold room.
“And now, 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. And everyone is excited about it,” she said.
Agbo noted that GEF-SGP currently supports more than 200 community-based projects across over 30 states in Nigeria, focusing on sustainable development and environmental protection.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), Dr. Daniel Adeuyi, described the project as a practical demonstration of the forum’s commitment to translating policy discussions into tangible community development initiatives.
He said the inauguration formed part of the annual NEF conference activities, stressing that the forum was committed to ensuring that renewable energy projects deliver measurable socio-economic benefits.
“We have come on an action learning tour to see the fruits of the gatherings making real impacts in the lives of communities such as Sagbokoji.
“This marks our inauguration of a sustainable solar-powered cold room to serve this fishing community, helping to expand a clean energy-powered cooling chain for preserving their catch of fishes from the wild,” he said.
Adeuyi added that the expanded cooling infrastructure, powered entirely by solar energy, demonstrated the value of collaboration among development partners, local communities and project developers.
He called for stronger partnerships to ensure the sustainability and replication of similar renewable energy projects across the country.
Former President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) and NEF Co-Chair, Engr. Adekunle Makinde, said the enthusiastic reception by members of the community reflected the project’s success.
“They welcomed us with smiles, dancing and singing. We went into the cold room together. They proudly showed us how well it is performing.
“They are really excited and happy. We also reminded them that the facility must be used properly and sustainably because it is expected to generate income for their association and serve the community for years to come,” he said.
President of NIEEE, Engr. Felix Adeboye, urged corporate organisations, development agencies and philanthropists to support similar initiatives in underserved communities.
He noted that Sagbokoji’s willingness to embrace the project had made it a model for other communities.
“This project came here because the community accepted it. Other communities rejected the initiative because they expected direct financial benefits. Today, this community is reaping the rewards and thanking God,” he said.
Leader of the Fish Sellers Association in Sagbokoji, Mrs. Jiselle Azankpo, expressed appreciation to GEF-SGP, UNDP and other partners for completing the expansion of the cold room.
She said members of the association had already tested the upgraded facility and confirmed that it was functioning efficiently.
“We are very happy. We have tested it and it is working perfectly. We are delighted and we assure our partners that we will maintain the infrastructure properly and contribute our quota towards its upkeep,” she said.
The project is expected to strengthen the community’s cold-chain capacity, reduce fish spoilage, improve livelihoods for women fish processors and promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria’s coastal communities.
