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In communities across the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a quiet but significant transformation is taking place in thousands of homes.
Kitchens, once filled with the smoke of firewood, coal and kerosene, are gradually giving way to cleaner, safer and healthier cooking with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Through the Breathe Clean Air Abuja project, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), working through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) in collaboration with IHS Nigeria (Towers of Strength), is redefining the home kitchen and ensuring a safe environment for thousands of families.
At last count, HSES and HIS Nigeria have successfully distributed more than 10,000 cooking gas cylinders to vulnerable households in the six zonal councils of the FCT.
More than a cooking gas intervention, the initiative has become a public health program, an environmental sustainability project and a social protection program that is improving the quality of life of women and their families.
A health intervention beyond the kitchen
For decades, many low-income families have relied on firewood, charcoal and kerosene as their primary cooking fuels.
Medical experts have consistently warned that prolonged exposure to indoor smoke contributes to respiratory illnesses, asthma, pneumonia, persistent cough, eye irritation and other health complications, particularly among women and children who spend most of their time around kitchens.
Recognizing these dangers, the Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat of Health Services and Environment, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, has supported the implementation of the Breathe Clean Air Abuja Project as a practical intervention to reduce indoor air pollution while promoting healthier communities.
The program goes beyond simply distributing gas cylinders. Beneficiaries also receive free charging vouchers for one year and health insurance coverage for one year, ensuring that vulnerable families continue to use clean energy without resorting to unhealthy alternatives.
This innovative approach combines preventative healthcare, environmental protection and poverty reduction in a single comprehensive intervention.
Transforming lives in the FCT
From Abaji to Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), beneficiaries are already experiencing the impact of the programme.
In Gwagwalada, where the pilot distribution began a few months ago, many women described the intervention as life-changing.
Ms Victoria Joshua, one of the beneficiaries, said her family no longer wakes up in smoke-filled rooms.
“Now cooking is faster, cleaner and safer. I no longer worry about my children inhaling smoke while I prepare meals. Thanks to the refill vouchers, the money we would have spent on gas refills is also reduced. This program has brought real relief to my family.”
In Kuje Municipality, another beneficiary explained that using firewood has become increasingly difficult due to increasing costs and the time taken to collect the fuel.
“Before now I often came home exhausted after looking for firewood. Today I simply turn on the gas stove and prepare meals in a fraction of the time. Now I have more time for my business and my children.”
In Kwali, several women noted that the program significantly improved cleanliness in their homes.
“Our pans stay cleaner, our kitchens are no longer covered in soot and children no longer complain about smoke getting in their eyes.”
Women from Bwari and AMAC echoed similar sentiments, praising the FCTA for introducing an intervention that not only protects their health but also restores dignity to daily life.
For many small food sellers in local municipalities, the availability of cleaner fuel has also translated into greater efficiency, reduced cooking times and greater productivity.
Building healthier communities through partnership
The success of the Breathe Clean Air Abuja project demonstrates what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together for the public good.
IHS Nigeria’s support reflects its commitment to environmental sustainability, the adoption of renewable energy and healthier communities. By working with the FCTA, the company has helped reduce carbon emissions while helping vulnerable families switch to cleaner energy sources.
The project also reflects the FCTA’s growing emphasis on preventative healthcare, addressing the causes of illnesses before they become costly medical conditions.
Community leaders from the Area Councils also played an important role by mobilizing residents, supporting awareness campaigns and encouraging beneficiaries to adopt safe management of cooking gas. Safety demonstrations by federal firefighters have further strengthened public confidence in the use of LPG.
Commendation for visionary leadership
The successful implementation of the Breathe Clean Air Abuja project is another demonstration of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to improving the well-being of residents through practical, people-centred policies.
Under the guidance of the lawyer. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Health Services and Environment Secretariat has continued to pursue innovative interventions that directly improve the quality of life of ordinary citizens.
Instead of focusing solely on curative health care, the Administration is investing in preventative measures that keep families healthier while protecting the environment.
The initiative deserves praise not only for distributing cooking gas cylinders, but also for adopting a comprehensive model that includes health insurance, refilling support, safety education and lasting behavioral change.
A breath of fresh air for the future
As more than 10,000 families across the six area councils begin a new chapter of cleaner cooking, the Breathe Clean Air Abuja project represents proof that thoughtful public policy can transform everyday lives.
For thousands of women, the benefits go beyond meal prep. It means healthier lungs for their children, safer kitchens, reduced household expenses, more productive time and renewed hope.
It also serves as a reminder that when visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and community participation come together, government interventions can produce measurable improvements that touch lives where they matter most: at home.
The Breathe Clean Air Abuja project is, in fact, offering thousands of families in the Federal Capital Territory something priceless: the opportunity to breathe cleaner air, live healthier lives and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Dr Jumai Ahmadu is the Director of the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department (RC&SID) of the FCTA and writes via [email protected]
