Solar-Powered Cold Room Expanded In Sagbokoji To Support Fish Sellers In Lagos

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Tuesday inaugurated an expanded 3-horsepower solar-powered cold room in Sagbokoji fishing community, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The facility is designed to strengthen fish preservation and improve the livelihoods of women in the riverine settlement.

The upgraded cold room complements an existing 26kW peak solar photovoltaic power generation system. It also includes a combined 22kVA inverter and 50kWh battery energy storage system installed between 2024 and 2025.

GEF-SGP UNDP Programme Assistant, Mrs. Rose Agbo, said the expansion followed requests from women beneficiaries. She stated that the earlier solar-powered freezers could no longer meet the growing demand for cold storage.

She recalled that the first solar-powered cold room was installed in 2024 to help women move away from using charcoal and firewood for preserving fish.

According to her, “With an additional 3hp solar-powered cooling system, the cold room is now powered solely by 100 per cent solar power with battery energy storage and inverter systems. The women are now able to preserve more of their products.”

She added that GEF-SGP currently has more than 200 projects across over 30 states in Nigeria aimed at promoting sustainable community development through renewable energy and environmental initiatives.

Chairman of the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), Dr. Daniel Adeuyi, described the project as a practical demonstration of translating policy discussions into community development.

He stated, “The forum is not just to gather stakeholders together to exchange ideas. It is to translate the ideas into action. Today we have come to see the fruits of the gatherings making real impacts in communities such as Sagbokoji.”

He noted that the inauguration of the 3hp solar cold room engine has further strengthened the existing solar infrastructure and called for stronger collaboration among communities, project developers, and development partners to ensure sustainability.

Former President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) and NEF Co-Chair, Engr. Adekunle Makinde, expressed satisfaction with the impact of the project.

He said residents welcomed the team with smiles, dancing, and singing, and proudly showed how well the cold room is performing.

He added that the association was reminded to properly manage and sustain the facility because it is expected to generate income.

President of NIEEE, Engr. Felix Adeboye, urged organisations, philanthropists, and development partners to replicate similar renewable energy projects in underserved communities.

He noted that Sagbokoji distinguished itself by accepting the initiative, while other communities had rejected similar interventions.

Leader of the Fish Sellers Association, Sagbokoji, Mrs. Jiselle Azankpo, expressed appreciation to GEF-SGP and UNDP for completing the expansion.

She stated, “We have tested it and it is working perfectly. We are so delighted about it.”

She assured that members of the association will ensure proper maintenance of the infrastructure and contribute towards its upkeep to guarantee long-term sustainability.