Ibrahim Muhammad, Dutse
As the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) continues to rise across Nigeria, many households in Jigawa State are adopting briquettes made from agricultural waste as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to cooking gas and firewood.
The shift is being facilitated through the Waste-to-Wealth Project, an initiative implemented by the Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotion Initiative (ELIP) with support from the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), a programme funded by the United Kingdom Government.
The project converts agricultural residues such as rice husks and invasive typha grass into clean-energy briquettes while also producing energy-efficient cookstoves from locally sourced clay.
For many residents, the initiative has provided a practical solution to the rising cost of household cooking fuel.
One of the beneficiaries, Hauwa Ibrahim, a mother of five from Ringim Local Government Area, said the briquettes and clean cookstove have significantly reduced her family’s cooking expenses.
“Before now, I relied mainly on firewood and sometimes cooking gas, but both became expensive and difficult to maintain. Since I started using the briquettes, I spend far less on cooking fuel,” she said.
According to Ms Ibrahim, the briquettes burn longer and provide steady heat, making cooking more efficient.
“The clean stove is also very efficient. It uses less fuel and produces less smoke compared to traditional stoves. My kitchen is cleaner and I no longer experience the discomfort caused by excessive smoke while cooking,” she added.
Another beneficiary, Aisha Muhammad from Kiri Kasamma Local Government Area, described the project as transformative for her household.
She said the increasing cost of LPG had forced her family to rely largely on firewood, which was becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain.
“When I was introduced to the briquettes, I was surprised by how effective they were. They ignite easily, cook food faster and last longer than ordinary firewood,” Ms Muhammad said.
She noted that the improved cookstove further enhances fuel efficiency.
“With the clean stove, I use fewer briquettes to prepare meals for my family. It saves money and time. The smoke is minimal and the cooking process is much more convenient,” she said.
Job creation and climate benefits
The Executive Chairman of ELIP and Project Manager of the initiative, Isah Mustapha, said the project was conceived to address energy poverty, unemployment and environmental degradation simultaneously.
“What started as a climate intervention has evolved into a livelihood programme that is creating jobs, generating income and improving access to affordable energy,” Mr Mustapha said.
According to him, more than 120 women and youths from Dutse, Ringim and Kiri Kasamma local government areas have been trained in briquette production and clean cookstove fabrication.
The project has established six community production centres in Baranda and Sakwaya communities of Dutse Local Government Area; Kiri Kasamma and Turabu communities in Kiri Kasamma Local Government Area; and Ringim and Dabi communities in Ringim Local Government Area.
The centres provide trained beneficiaries with equipment and starter kits to support production and entrepreneurship.
The National Team Lead of FCDO-PACE, Ifeanyi Peters Ugwuoke, said the initiative demonstrates how partnerships between communities, government and development organisations can address climate challenges while creating economic opportunities.
He said the project would help reduce carbon emissions, curb deforestation, support sustainable livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
According to him, the programme offers a practical model for linking climate action with poverty reduction and economic development.
The initiative also addresses the challenge posed by typha grass, an invasive plant associated with blocked waterways, flooding and environmental degradation in parts of northern Nigeria.
Government support
The Jigawa State Government has pledged support for the initiative as part of its renewable energy and environmental sustainability agenda.
Representing Governor Umar Namadi at the media launch of the project, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Surajo Musa, said the initiative demonstrates how communities can harness local resources to drive sustainable development.
He said the government considers the Waste-to-Wealth Project an important component of its efforts to promote renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
In recognition of the project’s impact, Governor Namadi pledged to expand the programme to additional local government areas and wards across the state.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that encourage clean energy adoption, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
The growing acceptance of briquettes among households in Jigawa underscores the potential of locally driven solutions to address energy challenges, create jobs and protect the environment.
