The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), in collaboration with ColdHubs Limited, has inaugurated a solar-powered cold storage and ice-making facility in Bayelsa State to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food security, and support sustainable livelihoods in rural and coastal communities.
The facility, located at Swali Market, was developed by ColdHubs with funding support from PIND’s Coastal Communities Off-Grid Energy Challenge Fund. It will provide affordable cold storage services for fisherfolk, food traders, smallholder farmers, and other businesses in the market and surrounding communities.
According to PIND, the project is expected to reduce food spoilage, improve the quality of agricultural and fish products, increase incomes for market participants, and reduce reliance on expensive diesel-powered refrigeration by providing access to clean, renewable energy.
Speaking at the commissioning, PIND Executive Director, Sam Ogbemi Daibo, described the project as a practical example of how renewable energy can stimulate economic growth and strengthen local market systems.
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He said the initiative would help reduce post-harvest losses, support enterprise development, improve food security, and build economic resilience across the Niger Delta.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ColdHubs Limited, Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, said the partnership would expand access to reliable cold-chain technology for underserved communities.
He noted that many small-scale producers suffer significant income losses due to inadequate storage facilities, adding that the solar-powered solution would help preserve food quality, minimise waste, and improve the livelihoods of local businesses.
Traders at Swali Market welcomed the project, describing it as a major boost for the local economy.
A fish trader, Charity Ochiezi, said the facility would enable traders to preserve fish for longer periods, reduce spoilage, and improve their earnings by providing an affordable storage solution.
