In furtherance of its efforts to address food insecurity in the country, the Federal Government has supported the Cold Storage Initiative, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing food security across the country.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce farm produce losses and enhance supply chain efficiency.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, disclosed this in his office in Abuja when he received a delegation from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), GENESIS Energy Group, USAID, and KPMG to discuss a strategic partnership on Solar-Powered Cold Room Storages and logistics.
During the meeting, the delegation from the key agencies, CSO and development partner, presented details of their ongoing efforts and collaborations with key stakeholders to deploy cold storage facilities in strategic locations nationwide.
Edun commended the delegation and reiterated that food security remained a top priority of the present administration, highlighting how recent economic reforms, including market-based pricing for fuel and foreign exchange policies, have stabilized the economy and created a conducive environment for investment.
The minister assured the delegation of the ministry’s support, emphasizing the alignment of their project with the government’s agenda to foster job creation, attract foreign investment, and reduce poverty.
Analysts believe that with the Federal Government’s backing, this pioneering initiative is set to transform Nigeria’s food storage landscape, ensuring that fresh produce reaches consumers while reducing waste and losses. As the country takes bold steps towards achieving food security, this project serves as a beacon of hope for a hunger-free future.
Representatives of the organisations and the UN agency at the meeting include Akinwole Omoboriowo, CEO of GENESIS Energy; Mohammed Ibrahim, NADF Executive Secretary; and Dimeji Salaudeen from KPMG, among others.
