Researchers have revealed that post-harvest losses in African countries have been estimated at between 5 and 20 percent for grains, 20 percent for fish, and as high as 50 to 60 percent for tubers, fruits, and vegetables.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria loses $9 billion (N3.7 trillion) a year to post-harvest losses, an indication that the country is largely dependent on external sources to augment local production.

Coldhubs Limited has called on African leaders to focus on agricultural development, extend its priority in quality food cultivation and efficient food distribution, and invest in reboost post-harvest management systems.

The chief executive officer, Nnaemeka Ikeagwuonu, praised the leadership for its numerous contributions and investments in food production while appealing that the authority should extend its investment in other segments of the agricultural sector.

According to Nnaemeka, the government should, through its various programs and appropriate agencies, enlighten and educate farmers and food supply chain actors (wholesalers and retailers) to embrace the cold-chain industry as a technology that will enable them to increase their income.

"The cold-chain industry is one of the sectors contributing to the promotion of agricultural development, improving food security, and economic productivity."

"The cold-chain industries in Africa need the cooperation and partnership of the government to thrive."

"The international community should collaborate with the government to reduce multiple taxation, excessive import duties levied on us as we import parts and other technology equipment in the Country.

Nnaemeka further stated that the cold-chain industries will continue to contribute their quota to reducing food spoilage and increasing the availability of nutritious food for local consumption.

He stressed that the cold chain should be extended to other food products such as meat, fish, roots, crops, and tubers.