The Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) has urged the Federal Government to designate cold chain systems as a strategic national infrastructure to reduce food losses and boost exports.
The President of OTACCWA, Mr Alexander Isong, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Isong said cold chain infrastructure should be treated with the same priority as power, roads and ports.
He identified four major government interventions required to tackle post-harvest losses.
“First, there must be official recognition of the cold chain as a strategic infrastructure.
“Second, we need long-term financing frameworks including public-private partnerships and sovereign-backed infrastructure models.
“Third, fiscal incentives such as duty waivers for cold chain equipment and tax incentives for certified facilities will accelerate private investment.
“Fourth, regulatory enforcement of food safety standards must be strengthened,” he said.
He added that stronger regulation would improve quality control and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in foreign markets.
Isong said OTACCWA’s 2026 priorities would focus on accelerated deployment of certified cold chain infrastructure, capacity building for technicians and expansion of refrigerated transport.
He said the overall objective was to reduce food waste, stabilise prices, increase farmer income and strengthen national food security.
