This research brief summarizes findings from the national cold chain capacity mapping of Nigeria, conducted between December 2017 and February 2018. Despite having the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria has among the world’s highest burdens of malnutrition. Improving supply chain infrastructure and food storage practices has the potential to significantly reduce postharvest losses and waste across the country.
The study provided information on the state of existing cold storage capacity in Nigeria for freezing and ambient temperatures and of cold chain logistics service providers for 13 out of 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Findings highlight the need for investment in innovation for small-scale affordable solutions and for further research into alternative energy cold chain solutions for sustainability. Moreover, a more robust landscape mapping study is necessary to obtain data and fully inform all stakeholders on the potential strategies, policies and investment decisions required to advance cold chain capacity and improve nutrition and food security in Nigeria.