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 fishing community, Lagos State.

Sagbokoji is a riverine island community, surrounded by water and located in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Council of Lagos State, opposite Tin-Can Island.

GEF-SGP UNDP Programme Assistant, Mrs. Rose Agbo, said the project was to complement the 26kW peak solar photovoltaic power generation capacity with combined capacity of 22kVA inverter and 50kWh battery energy storage systems installed from 2024 to 2025.

It had in 2024 installed a solar-powered cold room in the community to support the women beneficiaries in the area, who formerly used charcoal and firewood to preserve their fishing produce.

Agbo said that additional 3hp solar cold room engine installation became necessary due to complaints by the women that the quantity of cold products the small freezers were producing was not enough to meet their demand.

“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.

The Chairman, Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF), Dr Daniel Adeuyi, said the project was the core part of the annual NEF conference.

According to the chairman, the forum is not just to gather stakeholders together to exchange ideas, it is also to translate ideas into action.

“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.”

Engr Adekunle Makinde, the former president of Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) and Co-Chair, NEF said the excitement expressed by the communityindicates that the cold-room is serving them perfectly.
Engr Felix Adeboye, the President of NIEEE said it is a challenging project that calls for great support.

“We need to create awareness for other communities because this project was brought to this community, not because that was the first community that was approached.

“Other communities drove them away, expecting money before implemetation, but this community accepted it, and today they are thanking God,” he said.

MrsJiselleAzankpo, the leader, Fish Sellers Association, Sagbokoji said they were so happy that the expansion of the solar cold room, assuring that it would be maintained.