OVER 10,000 COOKING GAS CYLINDERS DISTRIBUTED ACROSS FCT AS PROJECT BREATHE CLEAN AIR ABUJA CONCLUDES

By: Doris Jonah and Khadijat Kawunda

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in partnership with IHS Nigeria under its Towers of Strength Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, has successfully distributed more than 10,000 free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a major milestone in its campaign to promote clean cooking and reduce air pollution.

The grand finale of Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja, which commenced in November 2025, was held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Bwari Mini Stadium. During the event, over 800 gas cylinders were presented to beneficiaries from Barangoni and Gaba communities in Bwari Area Council.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting the environment from harmful emissions caused by traditional cooking methods. She noted that indoor air pollution remains a major public health concern, particularly for women and children who spend considerable time in kitchens using firewood, charcoal and kerosene.

“Indoor air pollution is a challenge we continue to encounter in our communities, especially among women and children who are routinely exposed to smoke from firewood, charcoal and kerosene,” she said.

Represented by her Special Assistant on Social Investment Programme, Hajiya Maijida Adamu Kuku, the minister explained that the initiative specifically targets women, who are among the most vulnerable to the health risks associated with smoke from traditional cooking fuels. She emphasized that promoting cleaner and renewable energy alternatives is essential to improving public health and protecting the environment.

In her remarks, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the administration was not merely encouraging residents to abandon traditional cooking methods but was providing a practical, cleaner and healthier alternative through the adoption of LPG.

According to her, the project emerged from extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and efforts to secure funding beyond government allocations to address the territory’s clean energy needs.

She explained that the secretariat successfully attracted private sector support through a Corporate Social Responsibility partnership with IHS Nigeria under its Towers of Strength initiative, enabling more than 10,000 households across the FCT to transition from firewood and charcoal to cleaner cooking gas.

Fasawe noted that the impact of the project extends beyond individual households, contributing to healthier communities, improved household welfare and economic growth.

To make the transition more sustainable, she said each beneficiary received not only a gas cylinder and burner but also two barcoded refill vouchers worth approximately ₦4,000 each, redeemable at designated gas stations.

“The intervention allows beneficiaries to experience the economic benefits of cooking with gas. Feedback from the field indicates that after the second refill, many households completely abandon firewood because one cylinder conveniently lasts for more than a month, resulting in significant savings,” she said.

She stressed that the initiative is not a one-time intervention but part of a long-term campaign supported by measurable field results. According to her, the FCTA plans to gradually strengthen policies that will make clean cooking energy the standard across the Federal Capital Territory.

Earlier, the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohamed Darwish, represented by the company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mr. Dapo Otunla, described the project as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to sustainability and community development.

He said the initiative aligns with two of the company’s four sustainability pillars—Environment and Climate Change, and People and Communities.

“Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja supports the transition away from traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal. This contributes to reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality and less pressure on forests and other natural ecosystems,” he said.

Darwish added that the programme also improves the quality of life of beneficiaries by reducing exposure to indoor air pollution, improving household health outcomes, enhancing safety and promoting dignity, particularly for women and children who are most affected by traditional cooking methods.

Implemented in two phases, the project covered 18 communities across the six Area Councils of the FCT. Joint advocacy and sensitization campaigns by the FCTA and IHS Nigeria engaged traditional rulers and community leaders to mobilize beneficiaries, resulting in the successful distribution of approximately 12,500 cooking gas cylinders alongside refill vouchers.

The grand finale attracted senior government officials, corporate executives and traditional rulers, including representatives of the Chairmen of Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Councils (AMAC), the Head of Service of the FCTA, the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, security officials and the Etsu of Bwari, His Royal Highness Dr. Ibrahim Yaro, among other dignitaries.