Nigeria has to prioritise cold chain infrastructure to prevent post-harvest losses, according to the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA).
At the Nigeria Agro-Food and Plasprintpack Expo’s pre-exhibition kickoff on Thursday in Lagos, OTACCWA President Alexander Isong gave a speech.
“With post-harvest losses in Nigeria reaching an estimated 40 per cent annually, valued at over N3.5 trillion, the need for a reliable cold chain system has never been more pressing,” he said.
“Cold chain infrastructure is not just about preservation; it is about nutrition, food safety, and national food security.
“By ensuring that fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood maintain optimal temperatures, we can significantly reduce food waste and enhance the nutritional value of food reaching consumers.
“Cold chain systems are integral to preventing spoilage, reducing microbial contamination, and extending the shelf life of perishable goods.
“This contributes to better nutrition and improved public health by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-dense foods remain available for consumption, especially in rural and underserved areas.”
Isong underlined the need to address the challenges bordering on food security including as post-harvest losses, logistics and Nigeria’s export competitiveness.
To address this challenge, he said “Nigeria must expand its agricultural exports and compete on the global stage”, adding that the country must also “adhere to international food safety and certification standards”.
“Cold chain logistics play a crucial role in achieving compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000, Global G.A.P., and other export certification frameworks,” he added.
“Countries that import Nigerian produce require temperature-controlled logistics to guarantee food safety and traceability.
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“Without proper cold storage and transport, Nigerian farmers risk rejection of their exports due to spoilage, contamination, or failure to meet stringent quality benchmarks.”
The president of OTACCWA said by strengthening the cold chain sector, “Nigeria can increase its agricultural export earnings, which currently stand at about two billion dollars annually, with the potential to grow to $10 billion in the next five years”.
