Epileptic Power Supply Forces Ice Block Sellers to Use Freezing Chemicals

As Nigeria grapples with persistent power supply issues, businesses are seeking immediate solutions for survival. Ice block sellers, heavily reliant on electricity, are now turning to freezing chemicals to maintain their trade.

Adapting to Unreliable Electricity

The nation’s power crisis has forced many in the frozen food business to adopt alternative preservation methods such as smoking, frying, or drying. However, ice block vendors cannot operate without a stable power supply. Mrs. Fausat Tijani, an ice block seller, shared her shift to chemicals for ice production due to the unreliable electricity.

“Many ice block sellers won’t disclose the chemicals they use as it’s a business secret,” Tijani revealed. “When I started, electricity was more reliable, but now, with the band sharing system, we hardly have power yet receive hefty bills. This pushed me to use chemicals for production.”

Chemical Solutions and Health Concerns

Tijani explained that a mix of liquid nitrogen, salt, and water allows her to produce ice blocks rapidly, stating, “A small amount of chemical can create 100 blocks in 10 minutes. It’s not harmful.” However, experts like Mr. Emmanuel Peters, an air-conditioner and refrigerator repair technician, warn of potential dangers.

“Using chemicals like liquid nitrogen, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia for making ice is unsafe for consumption,” Peters said. “These methods are becoming more common due to the power crisis, but they pose significant health risks.”

Consumer Preferences and Price Implications

Despite the risks, economic factors drive demand for chemically produced ice. Mrs. Opeyemi Mautin, a wholesale soft drink and bottled water seller, noted, “Chemical-made ice melts faster and is less durable than electricity-generated ice. Yet, due to its lower cost—N400 to N500 per pack compared to N700 to N1,000 in supermarkets—people opt for it.”

Electricity Tariff Hikes and Classification

Adding to the strain, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently approved an electricity tariff increase for Band A customers, who receive 20-24 hours of electricity daily. Effective April 3, these customers will pay N225 per kilowatt, up from N66 per kilowatt. This classification system, ranging from Band A to E, underscores the disparity in power distribution, further complicating business operations dependent on reliable electricity.