In Okibou Zion, a coastal fishing community in Burutu LGA, Delta State, the daily rhythm of life is tied to the water. For generations, fisherfolk have battled not just the tides but also the challenge of preserving their catch before it spoils. Post-harvest losses meant income instability and limited opportunities, particularly for women and youth who rely on fisheries for livelihoods.
To change that story, PIND, in partnership with Eja Ice Limited, introduced a solar-powered refrigeration hub designed to power productive use, not just homes. The hub, equipped with a 15 kWp solar system and 1,272 litres of cold storage, offers affordable pay-as-you-go services, giving fisherfolk the ability to store their catch safely and sell it at better prices.
Scaling Impact Through Partnerships
Okibou Zion’s hub reflects PIND’s approach of combining innovation with collaboration. Through the Access to Energy (A2E) program, PIND works with private-sector partners such as Eja Ice Limited to deliver energy solutions that go beyond household electrification. By powering livelihoods, strengthening value chains, and fostering resilience, these initiatives create opportunities for communities to thrive.
PIND’s interventions include:
- Solar Refrigeration Hubs – reducing post-harvest losses, stabilizing incomes, and improving food security.
- Energy Cabins – modular solar units powering microenterprises and households.
- Solar Electrification Systems – mini-grids and standalone solutions expanding access to healthcare, education, and community services.
Across the Niger Delta, these solutions have improved the lives of over 10,000 people, demonstrating the potential of inclusive, market-driven renewable energy.
Key Outcomes in Okibou Zion
The solar refrigeration hub in Okibou Zion has already delivered a measurable impact for coastal livelihoods:
- Reduced post-harvest losses: Over 106 kilograms of fish are preserved daily, preventing ₦15,000 in potential daily losses.
- Improved incomes: Fisherfolk can reach wider markets and sell at better prices.
- Affordable access: Pay-as-you-go storage ensures inclusion for small-scale operators.
- Inclusive participation: Women and youth are engaged in processing, handling, and sales.
Powering the Niger Delta’s Energy Future
The Okibou Zion hub is just the beginning. Plans are underway to replicate the model in Ogidigben, Kolokoma, and Sangana, expanding clean energy access to more coastal clusters. Through continued partnership and innovation, PIND is ensuring that last-mile communities are not left behind, turning renewable energy into a driver of peace, prosperity, and resilience in the Niger Delta.
