IHS promotes cleaner cooking in Abuja

IHS Nigeria has concluded its clean cooking initiative in Abuja, distributing 10,000 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to households. The program, named Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja, aimed to decrease dependence on firewood and charcoal, which contribute to household air pollution.

The initiative was a collaboration between IHS Nigeria and the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat. It specifically targeted underserved communities across the territory's six area councils. The project's final phase included a ceremony at the Bwari Area Council Stadium, where beneficiaries received their LPG cylinders and refill vouchers.

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When we launched this initiative in November 2025, we committed to supporting the FCT administration in reducing household air pollution and improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable communities. Today, we are proud to celebrate the successful fulfilment of that commitment.

Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Nigeria, stated that the program fulfilled a commitment made in November 2025 to support the FCT Administration's efforts to improve public health. He highlighted that the project aligns with IHS Nigeria's sustainability priorities by helping households switch to cleaner energy sources.

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As we celebrate the successful completion of this initiative, we are also celebrating the strength of partnership. The collaboration between IHS Nigeria, the FCT Administration, community leaders and the implementing partners has transformed a shared vision into measurable impact.

Beyond the gas cylinders, the initiative also extended its impact by enrolling 2,000 beneficiaries into the company's Project Clinic Without Walls Health Insurance Scheme. This broadened the program's reach by improving access to healthcare for participants. Otunla emphasized the success of the partnership between IHS Nigeria, the FCT Administration, community leaders, and implementing partners in achieving measurable results.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, explained that the program was designed to offer a practical alternative to traditional cooking fuels. She noted that simply discouraging the use of firewood and charcoal would be ineffective without providing a viable substitute. Fasawe commended IHS Nigeria for their support in enhancing public health through cleaner household energy solutions.

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We could not simply ask people to stop using firewood and charcoal without providing them with a practical alternative.