The Federal Capital Territory Administration, in partnership with IHS Nigeria, on Wednesday extended its clean air initiative to Gwagwalada Area Council as part of efforts to reduce health risks linked to the use of firewood and charcoal.
The intervention, carried out under Project Breathe Clean Air–Abuja, was implemented through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat in collaboration with IHS Nigeria. The programme focused on improving household cooking methods while also supporting basic health protection for residents.
About 400 gas cylinders and burners were shared with residents, with priority given to women-led homes, elderly persons, and people living with disabilities. The aim was to encourage a shift from smoke-producing fuels to cleaner cooking options that are safer for families and the environment.
The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, explained that the project was designed to tackle common illnesses linked to indoor air pollution, such as persistent cough, asthma, pneumonia, and eye problems, which mostly affect women, children, and older persons. She added that the programme was also meant to help households adopt cleaner habits that can last beyond the distribution exercise.
To support continued use of gas, beneficiaries were given refill vouchers to reduce cost pressure and prevent a return to charcoal or firewood. They were also enrolled in an insurance scheme that covers risks such as fire incidents, explosions, injuries, and theft. In addition, participants were registered under basic health insurance plans to improve access to medical care.
Dr. Fasawe urged community leaders and residents to protect the purpose of the project by discouraging the sale of the donated gas items, following safety rules, and sharing feedback on usage so the programme can be improved over time.
IHS Nigeria, represented by its Chief Corporate Services Officer, Dapo Otunla, said the initiative aligns with the company’s focus on people, environmental care, and economic growth. He noted that cleaner cooking supports healthier communities while also reducing carbon emissions. Otunla encouraged other private sector players to support similar efforts and suggested that the Gwagwalada exercise could guide wider adoption across the country.
The programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the FCTA to improve public health, protect the environment, and support vulnerable households through practical and community-based solutions.
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