By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has launched the “Breathe Clean Air – Abuja” Campaign and distributed 10,000 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) refill vouchers to residents across the six Area Councils as part of efforts to reduce indoor air pollution and promote the use of clean cooking energy.
Speaking at the grand finale of the campaign in Bwari on Thursday, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), said the initiative was established under the administration of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to tackle the growing health and environmental challenges associated with the use of firewood and charcoal for cooking.
She explained that studies conducted by the FCT Administration revealed that many households, including those in the Abuja metropolis, still rely on firewood despite the availability of cooking gas, largely due to lack of awareness of its health implications and the cost of acquiring gas cylinders.
According to her, smoke from firewood contributes significantly to indoor air pollution, exposing women, children and the elderly to respiratory infections, allergies, burns and other health complications, while also degrading the environment.
The Mandate Secretary said the FCT Administration adopted a proactive approach by providing residents with gas cylinders, burners and refill vouchers instead of merely discouraging the use of firewood.
She disclosed that the project, funded by IHS Nigeria, has so far replaced firewood and charcoal in more than 12,500 households, improving public health, increasing household productivity and reducing the cost of cooking.
She noted that beneficiaries, particularly small-scale food vendors, have reported increased productivity and lower cooking costs since switching to LPG, adding that each beneficiary received two refill vouchers to encourage sustained use of clean energy.
The official said the vouchers, which can be redeemed at designated gas stations, are expected to demonstrate to households that cooking with LPG is more economical, healthier and environmentally friendly than relying on firewood.
Representing the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment Programmes, Majeed Adamu, described indoor air pollution as a major public health concern, especially for women and children who spend more time around cooking areas.
She said the initiative would significantly reduce exposure to harmful smoke from charcoal and firewood, improve public health and contribute to environmental protection across the FCT.
Also speaking, the Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Otunla, said the company partnered with the Health Services and Environment Secretariat to donate 10,000 gas cylinders to beneficiaries across the six Area Councils.
Otunla added that the first 2,000 beneficiaries were also enrolled in the company’s Clinic Without Walls Health Insurance Scheme for one year, enabling them to access free healthcare services through partner healthcare providers.
He explained that the initiative aligns with IHS Nigeria’s sustainability agenda, particularly its climate change, environmental protection, and community development pillars.
According to him, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the programme.
The FCT Administration urged residents to embrace clean cooking energy, stressing that the transition from firewood to LPG would improve health outcomes, reduce household expenses and support environmental sustainability.
