FCT and IHS Nigeria Replace Firewood with Cooking Gas

The FCT Administration, in partnership with IHS Nigeria, has launched the "Breath Clean Air" initiative to replace firewood and charcoal with cooking gas for 12,500 households in Abuja. Dr. Dolapo Fasaw, the Health Services Environment Secretary, disclosed that the initiative aims to reduce indoor air pollution and improve public health.

The program was initiated two years ago to address the widespread use of firewood for cooking, which poses health risks, especially to women, children, and the elderly. The FCT Administration believes that providing practical alternatives is essential for encouraging residents to stop using firewood.

As part of the initiative, IHS Nigeria donated 10,000 gas cylinders to beneficiaries across six area councils in the FCT. The first 2,000 beneficiaries will also be enrolled in a health insurance program, ensuring access to free health services.

The initiative is expected to lower carbon emissions and promote cleaner cooking practices.