How Nigeria’s expanding cold-chain sector is unlocking safe protein supply for millions

Story: written by Myra October 24,2025
Nigeria is undergoing a major transformation in food preservation and protein distribution through a rapidly growing cold-chain industry valued at approximately N160 billion. This emerging infrastructure is addressing one of the country’s most persistent challenges: safely delivering meat, fish, and other perishable proteins from farms and coastal hubs to households nationwide.

Refrigerated transportation, temperature-controlled storage facilities, and innovative cold-room solutions are reducing post-harvest losses and improving access to nutritious foods in both urban and rural communities. The sector is attracting increased private investment, driven by the rising demand for protein and the government’s broader goals of food security and economic diversification.

Industry experts credit the ongoing expansion to new technologies, including solar-powered cold units that support small-scale farmers and fisherfolk who previously had limited means of preserving their products. These advancements are enabling producers to maintain quality standards, extend product shelf life, and reach new regional markets.

Despite the progress, the cold-chain network still faces significant obstacles such as inadequate power supply, fragmented logistics, and high operating costs. Stakeholders maintain that further development of this infrastructure will strengthen national nutrition outcomes, reduce waste, create employment opportunities, and stabilize prices in the food supply chain.

Analysts predict that continued investment and policy support could help the cold-chain industry become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural modernization, ensuring that more citizens have reliable access to safe, quality protein.