Federal Government boosts food security with green energy refrigeration to preserve vaccines, cut post-harvest losses, and support livestock health

Federal Government officials have unveiled a bold initiative to integrate renewable energy solutions with veterinary reforms in a bid to strengthen food security, livestock development, and rural healthcare.

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The move will begin with the deployment of off-grid refrigeration systems to ease the transportation of vaccines, preserve agricultural produce, and support rural health services.

Speaking at the Off-Grid Refrigeration Inception Workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, and the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the joint effort would bridge critical gaps between agriculture, livestock, and health.

Mr Maiha described the lack of cold storage as one of the greatest weaknesses in veterinary practice, with many vaccines losing potency before reaching farmers due to poor energy and storage infrastructure.

He expressed optimism that the new initiative, powered by renewable energy, would “close all these infrastructural gaps” within the next three years.

The minister also announced that the government is targeting the eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants, a viral disease affecting sheep and goats, by 2030.

Nigeria, he noted, has more than 250 million ruminants, but weak cold chain logistics continue to undermine animal health management.

On his part, Mr Aliyu explained that the off-grid refrigeration project would not only reduce post-harvest losses but also improve vaccine storage, support small businesses, and create jobs in rural communities.

He emphasised that the systems, developed in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, were energy-efficient and climate-friendly, aligning with Nigeria’s electrification agenda and global climate goals.

“These solutions,” he said, “connect agriculture, livestock development, health, and small enterprise growth.

What we are doing today is not just about refrigeration but about supporting food security, rural livelihoods, and healthcare delivery.”

The initiative is expected to significantly curb Nigeria’s estimated 40 to 50 per cent annual loss of perishable crops, while also bolstering the fight against livestock diseases such as Newcastle disease and African swine fever.

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With its integration of solar-powered technologies, the Federal Government believes the scheme will provide a sustainable path towards stronger food systems and improved rural wellbeing.