FCTA Sets New Standard for Urban Sustainability with Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched “Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja,” a major initiative aimed at reducing household air pollution through the distribution of 5,000 gas cylinders and free refills for six months, promoting a transition from firewood and charcoal to clean cooking gas.

The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, was championed by the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and in partnership with IHS Nigeria Limited and Smart Energies.

Dr. Fasawe said the programme was inspired in part by the global impact of nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, whose death from air pollution in London led to a landmark legal ruling recognising pollution as a cause of death, reinforcing the belief that clean air is a fundamental human right..

She noted that the initiative is designed to reduce health risks linked to household smoke, protect the environment, and bring renewed hope to families across the FCT by ensuring equitable distribution of gas cylinders across the six area councils.

According to Dr. Fasawe, “Our commitment to a sustainable future is backed by action. This programme is not just about carbon offsets; it is about addressing a critical health crisis. We thank the FCT Minister, IHS Nigeria, and Smart Energies for supporting this dream and helping us deliver 5,000 gas units across Abuja.”

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, said, “The goal is to promote a healthy community. By saving our environment, we are also saving mothers, pregnant women, and families. A healthy community is a productive one, and this initiative reflects that commitment.”

CEO of IHS Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Darwish, explained that the programme was designed to protect women from toxic kitchen emissions and support households in sustaining the use of LPG through continued refills, ensuring long-term benefits for families in the FCT.

Essentially, Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja stands as a social, environmental, and economic intervention that strengthens public health, supports sustainable living, and reaffirms the commitment of government and partners to ensuring that the air Nigerians breathe promotes life, dignity, and hope.