ABUJA — In a bold move to tackle indoor air pollution and its deadly health consequences, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in partnership with IHS Towers Nigeria, on Wednesday rolled out free gas cylinders, burners and insurance cover to vulnerable residents of Gwagwalada Area Council under the Breathe Clean Air–Abuja initiative.
The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who led the exercise, said the programme was designed to end the dangerous dependence on firewood, charcoal and kerosene, which she described as silent killers in many Nigerian homes.
According to her, smoke from dirty cooking fuels is responsible for widespread cases of cough, asthma, pneumonia, eye problems and other respiratory illnesses, particularly among women, children, the elderly and small-scale food vendors.
“Too many households still rely on firewood, charcoal and kerosene for cooking. These fuels pollute indoor air and pose serious health risks,” Fasawe said. “Our goal is to reduce indoor air pollution, protect lives and help vulnerable families switch safely to clean cooking.”
She explained that the project, being implemented across all six Area Councils of the FCT, goes beyond the distribution of gas cylinders, as beneficiaries are also enrolled in an insurance scheme covering fire outbreaks, explosions, user injury, third-party liability, theft and access to basic healthcare.
“This is not just about gas cylinders. Each beneficiary is protected with insurance to build confidence and remove fear associated with gas usage, while improving overall health and wellbeing,” she added.
To prevent beneficiaries from returning to harmful cooking methods, Dr. Fasawe disclosed that gas refill vouchers were also provided to support sustained use and long-term behaviour change.
She noted that the initiative prioritises women-led households, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups, while helping families save time, reduce healthcare costs and improve safety at home.
The mandate secretary urged community leaders to ensure proper use of the cylinders, discourage resale and promptly report safety concerns to strengthen the programme’s impact.
“With collective effort, clean air, safer cooking and healthier living can become a reality for Gwagwalada and the entire FCT,” she said.
Also speaking, Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Otunla, described the initiative as a natural fit with the company’s sustainability agenda, stressing that it aligns with its commitment to people, environment and economic growth.
He said IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Towers Group, operates over 16,000 telecom towers and more than 16,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables across the country, making it Nigeria’s largest communications infrastructure provider.
“This initiative is close to our heart. It promotes cleaner energy, reduces carbon emissions and supports the health of our host communities,” Otunla said.
He expressed satisfaction that the programme was reaching grassroots communities and improving the lives of the most vulnerable residents in the FCT.
“We hope the success of Abuja Breathe Clean Air will encourage nationwide adoption. We also call on other corporate organisations to join hands with us to ensure cleaner, healthier cities for Nigerians,” he added.
The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and beneficiaries, marking another major step in Abuja’s drive towards cleaner air and safer living.
