The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Post-Harvest Storage Hub at Rivers State University (RSU) to combat Nigeria’s staggering N3.5 trillion annual post-harvest losses. The facility, unveiled on May 28, 2025, is designed to leverage research and technological innovation to preserve agricultural produce more effectively.
Experts estimate that Nigeria loses up to 30% of its yearly harvest due to inadequate storage and processing infrastructure. To address this challenge, NSPRI’s Chief Executive Officer, Lateef Sanni, emphasized the institute’s commitment to developing cost-effective, locally adapted solutions. These include improved storage systems, moisture meters, solar dryers, and hermetic storage technologies that protect grains from pests and moisture.
Among the innovations introduced are the Parabolic Shaped Solar Dryer (PSSD) and small-scale silos with capacities of two and five tons, tailored for smallholder farmers and processors. The newly commissioned hub features:
- A Parabolic Shaped Solar Dryer (PSSD), which uses concentrated solar energy to dry produce quickly while maintaining quality.
- An Inert Atmosphere Silo (IAS), which stores grains under controlled nitrogen levels to extend shelf life for years.
- A Processing Unit equipped with Hermetic Drums (HD), Smoking Kilns (WSK/GSK), and a Multi-Crop Dryer to enhance preservation and marketability.
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Sanni highlighted that the facility would also serve as a research center for students and engineers, enabling advanced studies in agricultural storage and food security.
Rivers State University’s Vice Chancellor, Isacc Zeb-Obipi, praised the collaboration with NSPRI, noting that the hub would support teaching, research, and commercial agro-processing. He described the initiative as a critical step toward improving Nigeria’s food security and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Dr. Patience Obinna-Echem, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology at RSU, emphasized the hub’s potential to benefit farmers, agro-processors, and marketers by reducing spoilage and enhancing product quality. She added that the facility would serve as a training ground for students and researchers while supporting local agricultural value chains.
With post-harvest losses and climate change exacerbating Nigeria’s food crisis, the NSPRI-RSU partnership represents a significant stride toward preserving agricultural output and boosting economic resilience in the sector.
