FCTA Launches ‘Breathe Clean Air’ Drive, Gives 5,000 Households Six Months Free Cooking Gas Refill

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has kicked off the full implementation of its Breathe Clean Air Initiative, with over 5,000 households set to receive free cooking gas refills for six months—an intervention designed to cut indoor pollution and safeguard families, especially women and children.

The programme was officially launched on Saturday under the Safe Environment Renewable Project–Breathe Clean Air Abuja.

Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the initiative goes beyond distributing palliatives. According to her, it focuses on correcting environmental ignorance and empowering women to manage their homes and family health more effectively.

She noted that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues to touch all sectors, improving the living standards of Nigerians, while the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has domesticated this vision with visible commitment.

“Health is wealth. Health and environment are equal,” she said. “This programme is not just about giving palliatives; it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda to show Nigerians that if we work together and not wait for government alone, we can build a peaceful and prosperous nation.”

Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Babagena Adams, emphasized the impact on maternal health, stressing that reducing women’s exposure to harmful fumes will boost productivity and improve community well-being.
“A healthy community is a wealthy community,” he stated.

Partnering on the project, Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Darwish, said the initiative targets the elimination of toxic exposure caused by firewood and charcoal, which contribute to lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.

He explained that the six-month gas refill voucher provided with each cylinder is designed to encourage sustained use of clean energy.
“In simple terms, this programme is about helping 5,000 mothers, sisters, and daughters stop inhaling toxic gases and start breathing fresh air,” he said.

Executive Vice President of IHS, Ayotade Oyinlola, added that reducing smoke-related ailments would significantly cut household medical expenses.

Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital Abuja and Secretary, Nigerian Cancer Society (FCT Chapter), Dr. Ayuba Hannatu Usman, described the initiative as a preventive health intervention promoting better lifestyles.