NAIJABRICS is training IDPs on the production of paper-based briquettes in Durumi and New Kuchingoro’s camp, Abuja. So far, over 200,000 briquettes have been produced over a period of 18 months. Some of the IDPs trained have been employed by the project and from their incomes, many were able to send for their families displaced in Cameroon and be reunited with them.

Pictures L-R: NaijaBricks training IDPs and produced briquettes in sacks

The briquettes produced by the IDPs is used for cooking in place of firewood and charcoal. Using briquette helps to combat climate change as it reduces the rate of deforestation; it is cleaner and safer than using firewood and/or charcoal. The company specializes in waste paper recycling. It collects waste paper that potentially would have ended up in a landfill and use them to create wealth and alternative fuel source by recycling the waste papers. Support for this initiative is provided by organizations such as Reynolds Construction Company, United Methodist Church, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, US Embassy, University of Abuja and Protea Hotel among others.

Naijabrics is a subsidiary of the Green Coalition and a partner of Nigerian Alliance for Clean Cookstoves. It is established to protect the environment, educate and build the capacity of internally displaced persons especially women and youths living in Nigeria with relevant skills so they can be economically empowered.

Nigerian Alliance for Clean Cookstoves works to promote Safe Access to Fuels and Energy (SAFE). The introduction of SAFE to crisis-affected communities reduces gender-based violence, negative health impacts of unsafe cooking practices and increase youth and women empowerment.

Naijabrics seeks collaboration to enhance demand and widespread use of briquettes to ensure sustainability of the initiative.

Featured picture: Naijabricks training IDP women