As the temperature in Kano soared between 37 to 40 degrees Celsius during the 2025 Ramadan, the demand for ice blocks, a crucial commodity for fasting Muslims, surged, causing prices to follow suit.

For many years, limited electricity supply and high demand led to skyrocketing prices, forcing some traders to resort to importing ice blocks from neighbouring countries like Niger and Chad. However, this year, the landscape was drastically changed.

The widespread adoption of solar-powered refrigerators transformed ice block production, making it more affordable and readily available. What was once considered a ‘precious gem’ during the Ramadan turned into a common household item, thanks to the increasing reliance on renewable energy.

During past fasting seasons, ice block vendors often took advantage of the scarcity, sometimes doubling or tripling prices. Long queues and price surges were common in neighbourhoods known for selling ice block.

However, during the just-concluded Ramadan, the introduction of solar-powered fridges eased this burden, as it helped in bringing down costs and increasing accessibility.

According to reports, Nigeria’s solar off-grid market is among the fastest-growing in Africa, expanding at an average annual rate of 22 per cent over the past five years.

Currently, around 500,000 Nigerian households (1.25 per cent of the total) use solar energy, leading to the avoidance of over 160,000 tons of CO2 emissions. If solar adoption reaches 30 per cent of households by 2030, an estimated additional five million tons of CO2 could be avoided.

Data from Statista indicates that as of 2023, renewable energy accounted for nearly 21 per cent of Nigeria’s total electricity capacity. While this figure fluctuated between 2016 and 2022, Africa’s overall renewable energy capacity has continued on an upward trajectory.

Projections suggest that Nigeria’s renewable energy market size, expected to reach 3.44 gigawatts in 2025, will grow at a CAGR of 9.88 per cent to hit 5.51 gigawatts by 2030.

With Kano’s erratic electricity supply, many residents have taken matters into their own hands. They now produce ice blocks in large quantities at home not only for personal use but as a source of income.

Suwaiba Isah, a Kano resident, shared her experience; she said, “Our suffering over scarcity of ice blocks is over. I no longer buy them, and neither do my two neighbours. In fact, I give some away for free and still sell some outside. My N300,000 solar-powered refrigerator has turned into a business for me.”

She said she now earned a minimum of N5,000 daily from ice block sales, translating to N150,000 monthly; thereby recovering half the cost of her refrigerator within a month.

“I don’t have to buy fuel. The hot sun powers my panels, and my refrigerator runs efficiently, producing as much ice as I need,” she added.

This shift has significantly impacted traditional ice block merchants, who now face a more competitive market.

The rush and the scarcity for the commodity, which hitherto defined the Ramadan season, have disappeared, and prices have plummeted.

Shamsu Shola, a major ice block producer in Dakata and Sharada, admitted that the market has been struggling.

“Honestly, there’s nothing to write home about this year. The market isn’t moving. I’ve sold ice blocks for as low as N40 or N60 in the past 10 days.

“We thank God that with the increasing heat, prices have now risen to between N200 and N250. But it’s still nothing compared to last year when they sold for between N700 and N1, 000 each.”

Another seller, Sunusi Muhammad, confirmed the shift in demand.

“Despite the high temperatures, patronage is nothing like past years. The demand isn’t as high because ice blocks are now readily available, and prices have dropped drastically,” he said.

Kamal Nuhu, another vendor, highlighted how household production has reshaped the market.

“Look around, you’ll see that most ice blocks now come from homes. People easily produce them using solar-powered refrigerators. In the past an ice block could sell for N400 to N600, but now, even the largest ones hardly exceed N200. Those made from sachet water, which once sold for N200, now go for as little as N50 in many places,” Nuhu said.

Beyond the impact of solar-powered refrigerators, some believe health concerns are also playing a role in the reduced patronage of ice blocks.

Sulaiman Isah shared his perspective. He said, “Yes, solar power has contributed, but I strongly believe that persistent medical advice about the dangers of drinking extremely cold water has also impacted demand.

“When you check online, you’ll see a lot of warnings from doctors and health practitioners about the risks. People have already seen the negative effects, so they’re avoiding it.”

The affordability and accessibility of solar technology have not only stabilised ice block prices but also created new income opportunities, particularly for women. Many are now selling ice blocks as a business, reducing household expenses and improving financial stability.

With Kano’s persistent electricity challenges, the reliance on renewable energy has proven to be a sustainable solution, offering relief to both consumers and small business owners.

As we look forward to another Ramadan, one thing is clear, solar power has changed the game, making ice blocks affordable, accessible, and no longer a luxury as people seek relief from the scorching heat of Kano ‘Ta Dabo Tumbin Giwa’.