Lagos govt, Netherlands launch solar-powered cold storage facility to tackle post-harvest losses
In a strategic move to tackle Nigeria’s persistent postharvest losses, the Netherlands government, in collaboration with Lagos State, has launched the Polar Store—a solar-powered cold storage facility designed to revolutionize food preservation and pharmaceutical storage.
The Polar Store serves as a demonstration hub for renewable energy applications in cold chain logistics, offering practical solutions to agri-food stakeholders. The initiative aims to reduce food spoilage, strengthen food security, and increase farmers’ profitability by providing a reliable, off-grid storage system.
Speaking at the launch, Peter Keulers, Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands Consulate in Lagos, emphasized the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s postharvest losses, which significantly impact agricultural productivity. He noted that the Polar Store’s solar-powered system will help mitigate these losses while advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy adoption, particularly in the face of unreliable electricity and rising diesel costs.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, affirmed that the initiative aligns with Lagos’ vision for sustainable energy solutions. Represented by Permanent Secretary Abiola Kosegbe, Ogunleye highlighted how the Polar Store will enhance supply chain efficiency, support food security efforts, and ensure reliable pharmaceutical storage in Lagos’ evolving energy landscape.
With the newly enacted Lagos Electricity Market Law, the state is fostering an enabling environment for clean and affordable energy investments, positioning initiatives like the Polar Store as key drivers of sustainable economic growth. Public-private partnerships, such as the collaboration with the Dutch government and the Impact Cluster, are seen as essential in scaling such innovations.
The Lagos State Electricity Board’s General Manager, Kamaldeen Balogun, also commended the project, emphasizing that it represents not just a technological breakthrough but a transformative solution to Nigeria’s food preservation and energy efficiency challenges.
As Lagos takes the lead in clean energy-driven agribusiness solutions, stakeholders in the Nigerian food value chain now have a replicable model for integrating sustainable cold storage technologies into their operations.
Source- Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The launch of the Polar Store presents a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s agri-food industry, offering tangible solutions to one of the biggest bottlenecks in the supply chain—postharvest losses. With up to 40% of fresh produce lost due to poor storage and inadequate infrastructure, this initiative is timely and essential.
Key stakeholder benefits include:
- Farmers & Agri-Processors – Access to reliable, cost-effective cold storage, extending the shelf life of perishable goods and reducing financial losses.
- Retailers & Distributors – Improved food quality and consistency, leading to higher market value and increased revenue potential.
- Pharmaceutical Industry – Enhanced storage of temperature-sensitive medical products, ensuring efficacy and safety.
- Renewable Energy Sector – A strong business case for solar-powered logistics, reducing dependence on erratic grid supply and costly diesel alternatives.
Strategic Implications
- Scalability Potential: The Polar Store sets a precedent for decentralized cold chain solutions across Nigeria, particularly in food production hubs like Kano, Kaduna, and Benue.
- Investment Opportunity: This model opens doors for agribusiness investors and entrepreneurs looking to integrate solar-powered storage into the fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood industries.
- Sustainability & Climate Impact: Reducing food waste lowers greenhouse gas emissions while promoting clean energy adoption in the agricultural sector.
Final Takeaway
The Polar Store initiative is more than an infrastructure project—it is a game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain. As more stakeholders adopt solar-powered cold storage, the industry will move toward greater efficiency, profitability, and resilience in food security. For businesses, integrating this model into their value chain could provide a competitive edge in the evolving agri-food landscape.
