The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially launched the “Breathe Clean Air in Abuja” Initiative, a groundbreaking public health and environmental programme designed to reduce household air pollution and promote clean cooking practices across the FCT. The unveiling, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, drew government leaders, environmental advocates, development partners, and enthusiastic schoolchildren.
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Delivering her remarks, the Health and Environment Mandate Secretary, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, described the initiative as a decisive step toward healthier homes and safer environments. She explained that millions of Nigerians still cook with firewood and charcoal—methods that fill homes with toxic smoke, placing women and children at high risk of respiratory illnesses and cancer.
“These deaths are unnecessary, because they are preventable,” Dr. Fasawe said. “This is not just about distributing 5,000 cylinders—it marks the beginning of a national journey. Clean air is a basic right every Nigerian deserves.”
The pilot phase received a major boost with the donation of 5,000 LPG cylinders by IHS Towers. Co-founder Mr. Sam Darwish reaffirmed the company’s commitment to public health, stating, “Access to clean energy protects our families, empowers women, and secures the future. IHS is proud to support this programme and its expansion across the country.”
Globally, the World Health Organization reports that 3.2 million people die each year as a result of household air pollution. In Nigeria alone, more than 120 million people depend on firewood and charcoal for cooking, fueling widespread respiratory diseases and long-term health complications.
Dr. Fasawe reflected on her years in medical practice, noting that many illnesses she treated were directly linked to environmental exposure. She recalled lessons from Nigeria’s successful Ebola response, emphasizing that prevention, early engagement, and strong communication are now guiding the Clean Air movement.
Also speaking at the event, cancer prevention expert Dr. Ramatu Usman highlighted the growing number of women diagnosed with lung cancer despite never smoking a cigarette. “Their exposure came from the kitchen, not from tobacco,” she said. She explained that while treatment can cost up to ₦7 million per month, prevention is as simple as transitioning to clean cooking fuels.
In a significant development, Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on FCT Health, Hon. Dr. M. A. Oriyan, announced that the National Assembly will push for the programme to be captured in the 2026 national budget, ensuring long-term sustainability and possible nationwide rollout.
One of the most inspiring moments of the launch was a touching poem by young Isabella, titled “Abuja, Our Hope Will Breathe Again.” Her emotional delivery moved the audience to a standing ovation, reminding everyone why clean air advocacy matters to future generations.
The Clean Air Initiative also ties into broader climate and development priorities—reducing carbon emissions, encouraging recycling, boosting sanitation, and strengthening economic opportunities for women. Dr. Fasawe, known for her strong stance on environmental conservation, reiterated her belief in resource recovery, saying, “Everyone’s waste is someone else’s raw material.”
While celebrating Abuja’s progress, she cautioned that environmental action must extend beyond borders. “The environment does not recognise boundaries. If Abuja succeeds and Nasarawa does not, we have not achieved victory,” she warned.
With strong political will, private sector collaboration, and active community involvement, Abuja is setting the pace for Nigeria’s clean energy transition. Officials say this initiative marks the beginning of a long-term mission that could dramatically improve public health and transform the nation’s household energy landscape.
