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)
Onuigbo Pledges Nigeria’s Commitment to Global Climate Partnerships at UK Parliament Event
GLOBE International’s first African president says nation will deepen legislative collaboration on climate action and energy transition
GLOBE International’s first African president says nation will deepen legislative collaboration on climate action and energy transition
Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, newly inaugurated President of the Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE International), has assured that Nigeria will sustain and strengthen its engagement in global partnerships focused on climate action and environmental sustainability. Onuigbo made this commitment on Wednesday during his inauguration at GLOBE International’s 35th anniversary ceremony, which took place at the Churchill Room of the UK Parliament’s House of Commons in London.
Onuigbo, a former member of the House of Representatives from Abia State (South-East), became the first African to lead GLOBE International, an organisation dedicated to uniting legislators worldwide around environmental policy. Addressing lawmakers and stakeholders at the event, he pledged that under his leadership, Nigeria and other African countries would work actively within international frameworks to combat climate change and drive energy transition initiatives that yield measurable impact for communities.
According to Onuigbo, GLOBE International has played a significant role over the past three and a half decades in shaping parliamentary responses to global climate challenges. He highlighted that African nations, including Nigeria, are positioned to contribute meaningfully to environmental solutions through enhanced legislative cooperation and adherence to international commitments.
“GLOBE’s achievements in catalysing legislative action on environmental matters are well recognised across continents,” Onuigbo said during his inaugural address. He emphasised that translating environmental commitments into real outcomes for local communities remains a central priority.
The ceremony in London was attended by parliamentarians and climate leaders from various countries, signalling broad support for Onuigbo’s vision. While official statements from opposition parties were not immediately available as at press time, stakeholders within Nigeria’s environment sector have welcomed his appointment as an opportunity to raise the country’s profile in global climate governance. GLOBE International is expected to roll out new programmes targeting stronger collaboration between national parliaments on climate legislation over the coming year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NBS Reports Petrol Price Rises to ₦1,596 Per Litre Nationwide in May
Statistical bureau cites continued inflation as key driver, with experts warning of further hardship for Nigerian households
Statistical bureau cites continued inflation as key driver, with experts warning of further hardship for Nigerian households
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that the average retail price of petrol across Nigeria climbed to ₦1,596 per litre in May 2026. This data, released on Thursday, reflects ongoing pressures on Nigerian consumers amid sustained inflation and currency volatility.
According to figures published by the NBS, the new average marks a significant increase from previous months, highlighting the mounting challenges faced by motorists and businesses who rely on petrol for daily activities. The report did not specify regional breakdowns but indicated that the price hike was observed nationwide during the month under review.
The rise in petrol cost comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with persistent increases in food prices and transport fares. The NBS had earlier noted that headline inflation stood at 33.7 percent as at April 2026, driven mainly by spikes in energy and import costs due to naira depreciation. Many Nigerians have expressed concern that higher fuel prices will worsen living conditions and erode household purchasing power.
Economic analysts have attributed the latest increase to continued instability in the exchange rate and ongoing market reforms within the downstream oil sector. “If current trends persist, we may see further upward adjustments before year-end,” one industry expert said. The NBS report did not include direct comments from government officials on possible interventions to cushion the impact.
As Nigerians brace for potential further increases, stakeholders in the labour movement have renewed calls for targeted subsidies or social welfare programmes to mitigate hardship among vulnerable groups. The NBS is expected to release more detailed sectoral data on monthly inflation and fuel pricing patterns later this quarter.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Police Dismiss Viral Banditry Claims, Say Armed Men Are Vigilantes Supporting Security Operations
Force PRO warns against spreading false narratives after social media video stirs fears in North-West state
Force PRO warns against spreading false narratives after social media video stirs fears in North-West state
The Nigeria Police Force has denied that a viral video showing armed men passing police officers in Katsina State depicts an encounter with bandits, insisting the individuals were registered vigilantes and hunters assisting security agencies. The incident, which occurred in Katsina and surfaced online on Tuesday, prompted widespread debate about police tactics and security collaboration in the North-West.
According to a statement from Force Public Relations Officer CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the video was misinterpreted by viewers who assumed police officers were interacting with armed bandits. The police clarified that those seen in the footage are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and recognised hunters participating in ongoing security operations alongside law enforcement.
Katsina State has faced repeated attacks from armed groups, making any security incident highly sensitive for residents and stakeholders. The viral nature of the video triggered panic and speculation on social media platforms, with many questioning the effectiveness of security agencies and expressing concern over collaboration practices. Such claims risk undermining public trust at a time when insecurity remains a pressing issue across Nigeria’s North-West.
CSP Iniedu stated: “The Force categorically disclaims the false and misleading narrative accompanying a viral video circulating on social media which alleges that police officers were interacting with bandits. The individuals captured are recognised community security volunteers who routinely support our operations.” He urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that it could disrupt ongoing efforts to restore peace.
The Police reaffirmed their partnership with local vigilantes and hunters as part of comprehensive strategies to address insecurity in Katsina State. They called on citizens to rely on official updates from law enforcement channels and cautioned against sensationalising incidents without proper context.
Onuigbo Pledges Nigeria’s Commitment to Global Climate Partnerships at UK Parliament Event
NBS Reports Petrol Price Rises to ₦1,596 Per Litre Nationwide in May
Katsina Police Dismiss Viral Banditry Claims, Say Armed Men Are Vigilantes Supporting Security Operations
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Kaduna, Zaria Residents Switch to Charcoal, Firewood as Cooking Gas Prices Surge
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