Abuja Launches Clean Air and Clean Cooking Initiative, Receives 5,000 LPG Cylinders from IHS Towers

 

By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched the “Breathe Clean Air in Abuja” Initiative, a major public health and environmental programme aimed at combating household air pollution and promoting clean cooking across the territory. The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, brought together government officials, environmental experts, development partners, and schoolchildren.

Speaking at the launch, the Health and Environment Mandate Secretary, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said the initiative represents a critical shift toward safer, healthier homes. She noted that millions of Nigerians still rely on firewood and charcoal, exposing families—especially women and children—to dangerous smoke that causes respiratory disease and increases cancer risk. “These deaths are preventable,” she said. “This transition is not about 5,000 cylinders; it is the beginning of a journey that every Nigerian must embrace because clean air is a right.”

Co-founder of IHS Towers, Mr. Sam Darwish, whose organisation donated the 5,000 LPG cylinders for the pilot phase, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving public health and supporting environmental solutions. “Clean energy access is essential for protecting families and empowering women,” he stated. “IHS is proud to partner with the FCTA on this pilot and to support future expansion across Nigeria.”

The World Health Organization estimates that 3.2 million people die globally each year from household air pollution, a statistic that underscores the urgency of the Abuja transition programme. In Nigeria, more than 120 million people still cook with firewood and charcoal, contributing to respiratory infections, lung cancer, and long-term health complications.

Dr. Fasawe recalled her experiences treating preventable illnesses linked to environmental hazards and emphasized that Nigeria’s successful Ebola response taught the nation the value of early action and strong public communication—principles she says are now guiding the Clean Air campaign.

Also speaking at the event, cancer prevention specialist Dr. Ramatu Usman warned about the rising incidence of lung cancer among women who have never smoked. “They inhaled smoke from kitchens, not cigarettes,” she said, noting that while treatment can cost up to ₦7 million per month, prevention simply requires a switch to clean cooking fuels.

The initiative received a major boost from the National Assembly, as Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on FCT Health, Hon. Dr. M. A. Oriyan, directed that the programme be included in the 2026 national budget, signalling legislative backing for its sustainability and nationwide expansion.

A highlight of the launch was a poem by schoolgirl Isabella, who delivered an emotional recital titled “Abuja, Our Hope Will Breathe Again,” drawing a standing ovation and reinforcing the generational importance of clean air advocacy.

The Clean Air Initiative also aligns with broader climate and developmental goals, including reducing carbon emissions, promoting recycling, improving urban sanitation, and supporting economic empowerment for women. Dr. Fasawe, known for her leadership in environmental protection, reiterated her belief in resource recovery, saying, “Everybody’s waste is somebody’s raw material.”

While celebrating Abuja’s progress, she cautioned that environmental protection must be regional to be effective. “Environment has no boundaries. If Abuja succeeds but Nasarawa fails, we have not won,” she said.

With government commitment, private sector support, and community participation, Abuja is positioning itself as a model for clean energy transition in Nigeria. Officials say the initiative marks the start of a long-term effort that could significantly improve public health and reshape the nation’s approach to household energy.