By Aderogba George
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has concluded the distribution of 10,000 gas cylinders across the six area councils of the FCT as part of efforts to promote clean cooking energy and reduce air pollution.
The initiative, which began in 2024, was formally brought to a close during the grand finale of the exercise in Bwari Area Council.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme was tagged “Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja”.
It was designed to reduce indoor air pollution by encouraging residents to shift from firewood and charcoal to cleaner energy sources.
She said the initiative was introduced under the administration of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, following concerns over the widespread use of firewood for cooking, even within the city centre.
“We realised that a large percentage of residents in Abuja, not only in the suburbs but also in the metropolis, still cook with firewood.
“This is not necessarily because they cannot afford gas, but because many are unaware of its health and environmental implications,” she said.
According to her, firewood is a “dirty fuel” that releases harmful substances into the air, contributing to respiratory tract infections, allergies and burns, especially among children and the elderly.
Fasawe added that the administration recognised the need to provide alternatives before discouraging the use of firewood, leading to the launch of the clean cooking initiative.
“This administration believes in proactiveness. We will not discourage people from using firewood without providing an alternative. That is why the Breathe Clean Air project was initiated,” she said.
She disclosed that the project, supported by IHS Nigeria, has already replaced firewood and charcoal use in over 12,500 households across the FCT.
Also speaking, the Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mr Dapo Otunla, said the organisation supported the project with 10,000 gas cylinders and enrolled over 2,000 beneficiaries into a health insurance scheme under the initiative.
He explained that the first batch of beneficiaries were provided with one-year free health insurance coverage under an arrangement with healthcare providers in the FCT.
“The aim is to move people away from cooking with firewood and charcoal. These fuels release harmful emissions when used indoors, affecting the lungs and overall health,” he said.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, represented by her Special Assistant, Mrs Majeed Adamu, said women and children remain the most affected by indoor air pollution due to their exposure to kitchen environments.
She noted that the initiative would greatly reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal while promoting healthier households and a cleaner environment.
“With the use of clean gas, we are improving public health and protecting the environment,” she said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade