Nigeria News (Standard)
Kaduna, Zaria Residents Switch to Charcoal, Firewood as Cooking Gas Prices Surge
Soaring cost of liquefied petroleum gas forces households in North-West states to abandon cleaner fuels
Soaring cost of liquefied petroleum gas forces households in North-West states to abandon cleaner fuels
Many residents of Kaduna and Zaria in Kaduna State have turned to charcoal and firewood for their daily cooking needs following a sharp rise in the price of cooking gas. As at Thursday, June 25, 2026, the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased significantly across major markets in the North-West, pushing families to seek cheaper alternatives.
The hike in LPG prices has been attributed by local traders and residents to factors including volatile naira exchange rates and persistent inflation affecting import-dependent commodities. Households who previously relied on gas cylinders now frequent roadside vendors selling firewood and charcoal, with demand for these traditional fuels rising sharply in recent weeks.
The shift marks a setback for government efforts to encourage clean energy adoption and reduce deforestation. Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics recently reported inflation hovering above 33 percent, with energy costs among the primary drivers of hardship for urban and peri-urban communities. Many affected residents say they are unable to afford refilling their cylinders at current prices, which have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
Despite repeated assurances from federal authorities about measures to stabilise gas supply and pricing, relief has yet to reach consumers. Several residents who spoke at local markets in Kaduna expressed frustration with the lack of effective intervention. “We just dey manage now with firewood because gas money don too much,” one woman said.
As the rainy season advances, experts warn that continued reliance on charcoal and firewood could worsen indoor air pollution and environmental degradation. Advocacy groups are urging government to prioritise affordable access to cleaner fuels as part of its broader energy policy reforms.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Repel Bandit Attack in Shinkafi LGA, Recover Weapons and Military Uniforms
Army operation in Zamfara’s Hanger axis thwarts planned assault as security agencies intensify patrols in North-West
Army operation in Zamfara’s Hanger axis thwarts planned assault as security agencies intensify patrols in North-West
Troops of the 8 Division Garrison, Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma have foiled an attempted bandit attack on villages around the Hanger axis in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The operation, which took place late Monday night, was based on credible intelligence that armed men were mobilising to attack the area.
According to a military source, troops strategically positioned themselves at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, laying an ambush for the suspected attackers. As soon as the bandits approached, soldiers engaged them in a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and retreat into the forest. Items recovered from the scene included one PKT machine gun, a cache of ammunition, two motorcycles, chains and eight pairs of military uniforms.
The Hanger axis of Shinkafi LGA has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, contributing to widespread displacement and insecurity across Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West. Security analysts say that timely intelligence-sharing between local communities and security forces remains crucial to curbing attacks in rural areas where residents are most vulnerable.
While no official statement has been released by Defence Headquarters as at Tuesday morning, senior army officers commended the troops for their swift response. “Our men acted on actionable intelligence and prevented another tragedy in Zamfara,” a military officer said anonymously after the operation. Efforts to reach opposition political figures for comment were unsuccessful at press time.
Security patrols have been increased in Shinkafi LGA and surrounding communities following this incident. Residents are urged by authorities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace across Zamfara State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Assembly Speaker Leads Push for Unified Human Capital Blueprint in Northern States
Moriki tables proposal at Abuja summit, citing high out-of-school rates and poverty across North-West and North-East
Moriki tables proposal at Abuja summit, citing high out-of-school rates and poverty across North-West and North-East
The Speaker of Zamfara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, has called for the adoption of a single Human Capital Blueprint for Northern Nigeria to address persistent challenges in education, health, and youth employment. Moriki made this call on Wednesday at the Summit on Enhancing Human Capital Development in Northern Nigeria, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
According to a statement released by Comrade Suleiman Ahmad Tudu, Senior Special Assistant to the Secretary to Zamfara State Government on Media, the proposal was submitted by a delegation led by Moriki on behalf of Zamfara State Government. The summit, which focused on “Reversing the Decline, Unleashing Potential for Northern Nigeria,” was organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Northern Governors’ Forum.
Moriki highlighted that the northern region continues to record Nigeria’s highest proportion of out-of-school children. He also pointed to ongoing multidimensional poverty, maternal mortality, youth unemployment and insecurity as factors undermining productivity and economic growth in both North-West and North-East zones. “These issues have continued to drag our region backward despite various interventions over the years,” Moriki said in his written submission.
He urged northern states to collaborate on a unified blueprint that would serve as a roadmap for coordinated investments and reforms across health, education and job creation sectors. The speaker said such a framework would help bridge developmental gaps between the North and other regions of Nigeria. He also emphasised that only collective action would ensure meaningful improvement in living standards for millions of northerners.
Stakeholders at the summit agreed on the need for greater regional cooperation but noted that implementation must be backed by strong political will from governors and legislative assemblies. No official opposition response was immediately available as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Discovers Platinum, Gold, Lithium and Rare Earth Minerals in Kaduna, Eyes Diversification from Oil
Minister Dele Alake announces major mineral find at African summit, warns against repeat of Zamfara security lapses
Minister Dele Alake announces major mineral find at African summit, warns against repeat of Zamfara security lapses
The Federal Government has announced the discovery of commercially significant deposits of platinum, gold, lithium, nickel, copper and rare earth elements in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. The development was revealed on Tuesday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit.
According to Alake, extensive exploration conducted by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) identified what he described as a ‘world-class polymetallic mineral province’ in Kaduna. These critical minerals—valued in billions of naira on global markets—are essential for modern technology including electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy systems and advanced manufacturing. The minister said proper management could make this one of Nigeria’s most important solid-mineral breakthroughs in decades.
Nigeria’s economy has for years depended heavily on crude oil receipts. However, data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) shows that mining still contributes less than 1% to national GDP despite vast untapped potential. The discovery in Kaduna could help government reduce reliance on oil revenues by increasing tax and royalty income, attracting local and foreign investment, creating thousands of jobs and improving infrastructure around mining communities.
Alake cautioned that authorities must avoid a repeat of the security breakdowns seen in Zamfara State’s gold fields. ‘This government is determined to implement strict measures against illegal mining and criminal networks,’ the minister said at the summit. He added that efforts are underway to secure mining sites and promote responsible investment so local communities benefit directly.
With global demand for critical minerals rising due to green energy transitions and technological innovation, experts say Nigeria stands at a turning point if it can harness these resources transparently. Further details on licensing rounds and partnerships are expected from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in coming months. As at June 2026, government officials have not released precise reserve estimates but maintain that Kaduna’s deposits are commercially viable and globally competitive.
African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit
Troops Repel Bandit Attack in Shinkafi LGA, Recover Weapons and Military Uniforms
FG Discovers Platinum, Gold, Lithium and Rare Earth Minerals in Kaduna, Eyes Diversification from Oil
Zamfara Assembly Speaker Leads Push for Unified Human Capital Blueprint in Northern States
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