“Breathe Clean Air”: FCTA, IHS Nigeria Transform Lives In Gwagwalada With Free Gas, Insurance
In a landmark move to combat respiratory illnesses and environmental degradation, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) took its “Project Breathe Clean Air–Abuja” to Gwagwalada Area Council on Wednesday.
The initiative, a strategic partnership between the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) and IHS Nigeria, saw the distribution of free gas cylinders and burners to hundreds of vulnerable households, alongside a pioneering insurance onboarding scheme.
In particular, the project heavily backed by IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Towers, the distribution of about 400 gas cylinders prioritized the most vulnerable, including women-led households, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Delivering her keynote address, the Mandate Secretary for the HSES, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasized that the project is a deliberate intervention against the health risks posed by traditional cooking fuels.
She noted that the distribution is not just about hardware but about habit formation.
“Too many households still depend on firewood and charcoal. These fuels generate harmful smoke that contributes to cough, asthma, pneumonia, and eye problems—conditions that disproportionately affect our women, children, and the elderly,” Dr. Fasawe stated.
According to her, to ensure the transition is sustainable, beneficiaries were provided with:Gas Refill Vouchers; to prevent a return to charcoal due to cost and covering fire, explosions, user injury, and theft to dispel fears associated with gas usage.
She added that the integrated enrollment into basic health schemes.
However, Dr. Fasawe was quick to remind the community that the government’s effort requires local vigilance.
She urged community leaders to discourage the resale of the donated cylinders, promote adherence to safety guidelines as well as report user experiences to help the Secretariat refine the project.
Representing the company, Dapo Otunla, Chief Corporate Services Officer, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the company’s core sustainability pillars: people, environment, and economic growth.
“This is an important step towards building a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant Abuja.
“Through this partnership, we are reaffirming our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting the well-being of our host communities”, Otunla remarked.
He further called on other corporate entities to emulate this model, suggesting that the success of the Abuja pilot should serve as a blueprint for a nationwide rollout.
