During the 2025 Ramadan when temperatures in Kano climbed from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius, the demand for ice blocks—a vital resource for Muslim fasters—rose sharply, leading to an increase in their costs.
For numerous years, the insufficient power supply coupled with high demand resulted in soaring costs, causing certain dealers to turn to importing ice blocks from nearby nations such as Niger and Chad. This year though, the situation underwent a significant transformation.
The broad acceptance of solar-powered fridges has revolutionized ice cube manufacturing, making it more budget-friendly and accessible. Once regarded as a ‘treasured jewel’ during Ramadan, these items have become standard fixtures in homes, largely due to growing dependence on sustainable power sources.
In previous fasting periods, ice block sellers frequently exploited the shortage by increasing their prices two-fold or even three-fold. It was typical to see long lines forming and prices soaring in areas famous for trading ice blocks.
Nevertheless, during the recently concluded Ramadan, the implementation of solar-powered refrigerators alleviated this challenge by reducing expenses and enhancing availability.
Reports indicate that Nigeria’s solar off-grid sector is one of the quickest growing in Africa, with an average yearly expansion rate of 22 percent over the last half-decade.
At present, approximately 500,000 Nigerian homes (which constitutes 1.25 percent of all households) utilize solar power, resulting in the prevention of more than 160,000 tons of CO2 emissions. Should solar usage rise to 30 percent of all households by 2030, this could lead to avoiding roughly another five million tons of CO2 emissions.
According to data from Statista, renewables made up almost 21 percent of Nigeria’s total power generation capacity as of 2023. Although these numbers saw some variation between 2016 and 2022, the continent’s cumulative renewable energy capacity has been steadily increasing over time.
Forecasts indicate that Nigeria’s renewable energy market size, anticipated to be around 3.44 gigawatts in 2025, is projected to expand at an annual compound growth rate of 9.88% and could surge to approximately 5.51 gigawatts by 2030.
In Kano, where the power supply is unreliable, numerous residents have opted to take charge themselves. They now manufacture substantial amounts of ice blocks from home, using them both for personal consumption and as an additional revenue stream.
Suwaiba Isah from Kano recounted her story, stating, “We have finally overcome our struggle with the lack of ice blocks. Neither I nor my two neighbors purchase them anymore. Actually, I now distribute some freely and even sell extra ones externally. My N300,000 solar-powered fridge has become a profitable venture for me.”
She mentioned that she currently makes at least N5,000 per day from selling ice blocks, which adds up to N150,000 each month; thus, she managed to recover half the price of her fridge within just one month.
“I don’t need to purchase fuel. The intense sunlight charges my panels, and my fridge operates efficiently, making all the ice I require,” she mentioned additionally.
This change has greatly affected traditional ice block sellers, who now encounter a tougher marketplace.
The frenzy and shortage associated with the commodity, which typically characterized the Ramadan period, have vanished, leading to a sharp drop in prices.
Shamsu Shola, a key manufacturer of large ice blocks in Dakata and Sharada, acknowledged that the market has been facing difficulties.
‘To be honest, this year doesn’t have much to write home about. The market remains stagnant. Over the last ten days, I’ve sold ice blocks for as little as N40 or N60.’
We appreciate that as temperatures rise, prices have increased to range from N200 to N250. However, this is significantly lower than last year’s price, which was between N700 and N1,000 per item.
A different vendor, Sunusi Muhammad, verified the change in consumer preference.
‘Even with the scorching heat, visitor numbers aren’t comparable to previous years. The demand has decreased since ice blocks can be easily obtained nowadays, causing prices to plummet significantly,’ he stated.
Kamal Nuhu, another merchant, pointed out how domestic production has altered the marketplace.
Take a look; you’ll notice that most ice blocks nowadays originate from households. Individuals can readily make them with the help of solar-powered fridges. Previously, an ice block would cost between ₦400 and ₦600, but currently, even the biggest ones rarely surpass ₦200. Ice blocks produced from sachet water, which used to be priced at ₦200, now sell for as low as ₦50 in numerous areas,” stated Nuhu.
Apart from the influence of solar-powered refrigerators, there is an opinion that health issues might be contributing to the decreased consumption of ice blocks.
Sulaiman Isah offered his viewpoint. He stated, “Indeed, solar energy has played a role, however, I am convinced that continuous medical guidance regarding the risks associated with consuming very chilled water has likewise influenced consumption patterns.”
If you look online, you will come across numerous cautions from medical professionals regarding the hazards involved. Since individuals have witnessed the adverse outcomes firsthand, they are staying away from it.
The cost-effectiveness and availability of solar tech have not just helped stabilize the price of ice blocks but also generated fresh economic prospects, especially for women. Numerous individuals are now venturing into the ice-block-selling industry, cutting down household costs and enhancing their financial security.
In Kano’s ongoing struggle with unreliable power supply, turning to renewable energy sources has emerged as an effective answer, providing much-needed assistance to residents and entrepreneurs alike.
As we anticipate another Ramadan, it’s evident that solar power has transformed the scene, rendering ice blocks not only affordable but also easily available and no longer a luxury for those seeking respite from the intense heat of Kano ‘Ta Dabo Tumbin Giwa’.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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