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This study has focused on characterization of local coals and their comparison with imported coals to elaborate their utilization. Seventeen (17) local coal samples were collected from different coal fields and their properties were compared with three (3) imported coals. Proximate analysis was carried out in accordance with American Standard for Testing Materials (ASTM) methods. Similarly, grindability, heating value, carbon-sulfur content, thermal degradation patterns sand functional group analysis were determined by using Hardgrove grindability index, bomb calorimeter, Carbon-Sulphur analyzer, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The obtained results revealed the major problem of high ash and sulphur contents in local coals. The Hardgrove grindability index values of most coals were found to be high, reflecting easier grinding. Results of proximate analysis indicated that most of the coals had higher volatile matter, indicating their low ignition temperature. The heating value of coal samples from 11 coalfields was greater than 5000 kcal/kg, which showed their potential for power generation. The sulphur content was relatively high, which can be minimized by making blends among themselves or with imported coal or with local biomasses having low sulphur content. Majority of indigenous coal samples showed aliphatic functional group in FTIR. Most of the functional groups were identified in fingerprint region, exhibiting low energy consumption for decomposition. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated mixed thermal behavior of the coal samples. Thermal degradation of functional group was analyzed in accordance with thermogravimetric curves, which illustrated low temperature decomposition and expulsion of functional groups in the form of volatiles.