Cooking Gas Hits ₦2,000/kg, HURIWA Warns Tinubu Against ‘Economic Cruelty’ to Nigerians

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm over the continued rise in cooking gas prices across the country, warning that the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) reaching ₦2,000 per kilogram in some locations is worsening the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians and threatening their constitutional right to life. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group expressed concern over reports that cooking gas now sells for as much as ₦2,000 per kilogram in several parts of the country. HURIWA described the development as a reflection of weak market regulation and government inaction, arguing that cooking gas, which remains a basic household necessity, is gradually becoming unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians already battling high food prices, rising transport fares and increasing electricity costs.

HURIWA condemned the sharp rise in cooking gas prices, describing the development as “economic cruelty” and warning that unchecked profiteering is undermining citizens’ constitutional right to life. The group linked the soaring cost of LPG to broader constitutional concerns, citing Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution and arguing that the right to life includes access to conditions that make survival dignified and sustainable. “The astronomical rise in the price of cooking gas is not merely an economic issue but a fundamental human rights concern. The direct consequence of making essential household energy unaffordable is mass hunger, malnutrition, disease, and avoidable deaths among vulnerable populations,” the statement said. According to HURIWA, families already grappling with high food prices, transportation costs, electricity tariffs and healthcare expenses are increasingly finding it difficult to meet basic needs. The organisation warned that many families are now being forced to make difficult choices between purchasing cooking gas and meeting other essential needs.

Official data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirms the steady upward trend in cooking gas prices across the country. According to the NBS Cooking Gas Price Watch for March 2026, the average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder rose by 12.60 percent month-on-month from ₦6,799.18 in February 2026 to ₦7,655.73 in March 2026. The average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder increased by 15.62 percent month-on-month from ₦16,997.94 in February 2026 to ₦19,652.83 in March 2026. State-level analysis shows significant regional variations. For the 12.5kg cylinder, Nasarawa recorded the highest average retail price at ₦23,418.12, followed by Kaduna at ₦23,030.52 and Akwa Ibom at ₦22,816.74. The lowest average price was recorded in Bauchi at ₦15,738.50. By zonal analysis, the North-West recorded the highest average retail prices for both cylinder sizes.

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The price surge has occurred despite increased domestic LPG production. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) shows that local refineries and gas processing plants supplied the majority of the country’s LPG needs between April 2025 and April 2026. Domestic LPG supply consistently ranged between 3,300 and 4,500 tonnes per day, reaching 4,500 tonnes daily in both March and April 2026. During the same period, imports dropped sharply from 1,600 tonnes per day in November 2025 to just 200 tonnes per day in March 2026. However, greater domestic production has failed to reduce the financial burden on consumers. Cooking gas, which sold for less than ₦1,000 per kilogramme in many areas only months ago, now sells for around ₦2,000 per kilogramme in some locations.

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has shed light on the challenges driving the price surge. According to the association, marketers currently pay between N25.2 million and N26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of LPG, depending on location. The National President of NALPGAM, Edu Inyang, and its Executive Secretary, Bassey Essien, aptly described the situation as “sad and rather very pathetic.” NALPGAM warned that the crisis is eroding years of progress made by government policies and public-private campaigns to deepen LPG penetration as a safer alternative to kerosene, firewood, and charcoal. “Millions of Nigerians embraced cooking gas under the national clean energy transition agenda. Those gains are now at risk. Households cannot refill cylinders, small businesses are folding under rising energy costs, and many families are reverting to firewood and charcoal despite serious implications for public health, environmental degradation, and deforestation,” the association said.

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HURIWA further warned that if cooking gas continues to move beyond the reach of average households, more Nigerians may resort to firewood and charcoal for cooking. It noted that such a shift could increase deforestation, worsen environmental degradation and expose families to health risks associated with smoke inhalation. The scale of the potential health crisis is alarming. According to the Voice of Nigeria, more than 160 million of Nigeria’s estimated 237 million people still lack access to clean cooking solutions. Consequently, millions depend on traditional fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for their daily cooking needs. This dependence has devastating health implications. Reports indicate that between 80,000 and 95,000 Nigerians die prematurely every year from illnesses linked to toxic indoor air pollution caused by dirty cooking fuels. Unsafe cooking smoke has become Nigeria’s third-largest silent killer after malaria and HIV/AIDS. Any development that pushes citizens away from cleaner cooking energy should therefore be viewed as a national emergency.

Experts have attributed the surge in cooking gas prices to multiple factors. Mr Opeyemi Alabi, an economist, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East caused by the U.S.-Iran conflict have led to an increase in global Brent crude oil and LPG prices. Additionally, LPG is a globally traded commodity often priced in US Dollars, meaning fluctuations or devaluation of the Naira immediately increase the landing cost of imported gas, which still makes up a large part of Nigeria’s supply despite rising local production. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has also decried what it described as the inherent monopoly in the cooking gas value chain in Nigeria, advising the government to break the monopoly and liberalise the market with a view to enabling more operators to manage the market efficiently.

HURIWA called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently investigate the factors driving the increase in cooking gas prices and implement measures aimed at stabilising the market. The group urged relevant regulatory agencies to identify and sanction individuals or companies engaged in exploitative pricing practices, while also advocating targeted interventions and fiscal policies to reduce the burden on consumers. “The association reiterates that governance must ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens. Any economic policy or regulatory failure that results in widespread hunger, suffering, and preventable deaths cannot be justified under any democratic system,” the statement added. The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) has similarly recommended that the government improve domestic gas supply, support local LPG production, invest in distribution infrastructure across the country, and provide social protection measures, particularly for vulnerable households. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has yet to issue an official response to HURIWA’s allegations or the growing public outcry over cooking gas prices as of the time of this report.

Cooking Gas Hits ₦2,000/kg, HURIWA Warns Tinubu Against ‘Economic Cruelty’ to Nigerians

Updated: MTN Opens Billing System Amid Data Depletion Complaints

MTN Nigeria has unveiled a new transparency initiative aimed at addressing persistent complaints from subscribers over data depletion and billing practices, as the telecommunications giant seeks to strengthen customer trust and improve public understanding of how mobile data is consumed.

At a press briefing in Lagos, MTN announced the launch of “Data on Trial,” a public engagement platform that will allow Nigerians to independently examine the company’s data billing system, network operations and data consumption processes.

Speaking at the event, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, said the initiative was designed to determine whether concerns raised by customers stem from technical issues, misconceptions about data usage or a need for greater digital awareness.

According to him, the company is opening its systems to public scrutiny because trust remains critical in the telecommunications industry.

“We want Nigerians to tell us what is wrong, ask questions and help us identify issues so that we can collectively find solutions,” Okigbo said.

He recalled that MTN previously adopted a similar approach when customers complained about unauthorised subscriptions to value-added services. The company responded by suspending the affected services, subjecting its systems to regulatory review and implementing corrective measures that helped restore confidence among subscribers.

As part of the initiative, Nigerians will have the opportunity to nominate and vote for a five-member “prosecution team” made up of consumer advocates, technology experts and digital commentators. The team will challenge MTN’s explanations and present consumer concerns during a live public hearing.

The hearing is expected to follow a courtroom-style format, with both customers and MTN officials presenting evidence, technical demonstrations and real-life experiences relating to data consumption, data depletion complaints and billing records.

To ensure credibility, independent professional services firm KPMG will verify the technical demonstrations and backend systems presented during the proceedings.

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MTN also disclosed that the event will be broadcast live, enabling subscribers across Nigeria to participate, ask questions and seek clarifications on issues affecting their mobile data usage.

Addressing journalists, MTN’s General Manager for Network Quality, Mike Ndukwe, dismissed claims that telecom operators arbitrarily deduct customers’ data allocations.

According to him, data is consumed whenever users stream videos, browse websites, download files or use applications that continue operating in the background.

Ndukwe explained that high-definition video streaming on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram consumes significantly more data than standard-definition content.

He further noted that features including autoplay, cloud backups, automatic software updates, hotspot sharing and background application refreshes can increase data usage without users immediately noticing.

“Many customers do not realise that their smartphones continue to consume data even when they are not actively using certain applications,” he said.

The MTN official added that the widespread adoption of 4G and 5G networks has also contributed to higher data usage because faster internet speeds encourage richer digital experiences and larger content downloads.

Ndukwe stressed that MTN Nigeria’s data billing system operates using internationally accepted measurement standards and verified charging mechanisms.

He explained that differences sometimes occur between customer device records and operator records because smartphones, network infrastructure and billing systems measure different stages of data transmission.

According to him, MTN’s billing platforms undergo regular audits by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and independent evaluators to ensure compliance with industry regulations.

He added that the billing technologies deployed by MTN are similar to those used in regulated telecommunications markets around the world.

MTN’s General Manager for Network Services, Asura Mshelia, said delivering reliable telecommunications services depends on the seamless operation of multiple network components.

He explained that user traffic passes through base stations, transmission infrastructure, switching centres and internet gateways before reaching online destinations.

Mshelia identified congestion, power outages, equipment failures, adverse weather conditions and fibre optic cable damage as major factors capable of affecting network performance.

He also described vandalism as one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s telecom sector, revealing that MTN has suffered repeated attacks on critical infrastructure, including theft of generators, batteries and solar-powered equipment.

According to him, fibre cuts caused by road construction activities, accidental damage and deliberate sabotage frequently disrupt telecommunications services and affect thousands of subscribers.

The executive appealed to Nigerians to support efforts to protect telecom infrastructure, warning that attacks on network facilities often result in widespread service interruptions.

The initiative comes at a time when internet usage in Nigeria continues to rise rapidly. Industry figures show that millions of Nigerians now depend on mobile internet services for banking, education, business, entertainment and communication.

With increasing reliance on digital services, concerns over data billing, mobile data consumption and network quality have become more prominent among subscribers.

MTN said the Data on Trial initiative is expected to improve transparency, address customer concerns and enhance public understanding of how mobile data is measured, consumed and charged.

The company expressed confidence that the engagement would help bridge the knowledge gap between increasingly sophisticated telecommunications technologies and consumer expectations.

Updated: MTN Opens Billing System Amid Data Depletion Complaints

Brains, Innovation as Young minds Steal Spotlight at Toyota Show Mobility Challenge

The future of mobility took centre stage at the Toyota Motor Show in Lagos on Wednesday as brilliant young Nigerians showcased their intellect, creativity and passion for innovation in a thrilling debate and quiz competition organised by Toyota Nigeria Limited.

The highlight of the event held at The Podium Lekki was a fiercely contested debate between two teams of young participants who impressed judges and spectators alike with their eloquence, confidence and ability to marshal convincing arguments.

After a closely fought contest, Team A, comprising Robinson Goodness, Esabu Blessing and Igbayisemore Tony, emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Team B made up of Akinware Breakthrough, Yusuf Rahimat and Dawn Ijaware.

The winning team received a cash prize of N600,000, while the runners-up went home with N300,000.

The quiz competition also generated excitement, with six contestants battling through multiple rounds of questions. Three participants were eliminated in the opening stages before the contest narrowed to a gripping final round focused largely on Toyota vehicle models and automotive knowledge.

The audience watched in admiration as the finalists displayed remarkable speed, accuracy and composure in their efforts to outsmart one another.

At the end of the contest, Feyisetan Tolase Emmanuel emerged champion and received N250,000, while Ayorinde Bolarinwa secured second place and was rewarded with N150,000.

Award-winning actor/social advocate, Kate Henshaw, who chaired the panel of judges, praised the contestants for their impressive performances and commitment to learning.

She expressed delight at the confidence, intelligence and creativity displayed by the young people, adding that the future remained bright when knowledge and innovation are encouraged.

Also on the panel was Toyota Nigeria Limited’s Head of Dealer Development and Special Duties, Henry Ojuoko, who said the programme reflected Toyota’s commitment to nurturing future innovators.

According to him, beyond selling vehicles, the TNL wants to inspire curiosity and encourage young Nigerians to explore opportunities in technology, mobility and innovation.

According to the organisers, the second day of the exhibition was deliberately dedicated to students and young professionals as part of efforts to raise awareness about automotive innovation and stimulate youth participation in discussions around the future of transportation.

The day’s activities also featured Somadina Anyama popularly called Soma – TV personality/brand influencer/actor, who joined the panel and Toyota team in the interactive section.

The Toyota Motor Show, which commenced on June 2, is the third edition of the exhibition organised by Toyota Nigeria Limited. The four-day event offers visitors opportunities to explore the company’s latest vehicle models, participate in interactive sessions, enjoy test drives and access free vehicle diagnostic services.

Visitors also experienced Toyota’s latest mobility solutions while test-driving selected models including the Camry, RAV4 and Hilux, among others.

The exhibition will conclude on Saturday with another live recording of Toyota’s PodCARst, featuring social media influencer Ride With Mee, alongside entertainment activities, outdoor games, prizes and additional test-drive sessions.

Toyota Nigeria said the event underscores its commitment to deepening engagement with customers and the wider public through education, innovation and direct interaction with the brand.