FCTA, IHS Introduce Free Gas, Insurance to Fight Indoor Pollution

By Sofiat Adenekan-Adepeju

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in partnership with IHS Towers Limited, has launched a clean cooking intervention aimed at reducing indoor air pollution and related health risks among vulnerable households in Abuja.

The initiative, known as Breathe Clean Air–Abuja, was unveiled on Wednesday, in Gwagwalada Area Council.

It involves the distribution of free gas cylinders and burners, alongside insurance coverage, to households that heavily rely on firewood, charcoal and kerosene for cooking.

Speaking at the launch, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme is designed to address the serious public health threats posed by indoor smoke.

“Too many households still depend on firewood, charcoal and kerosene for cooking. These fuels generate harmful smoke that pollutes indoor air and leads to cough, asthma, pneumonia, eye problems and other respiratory illnesses,” she said.

Dr. Fasawe noted that women, children, the elderly and small-scale food vendors are the most affected by indoor air pollution, adding that the initiative is being rolled out across all six Area Councils of the FCT.

Insurance, Healthcare Support

Beyond providing clean cooking equipment, beneficiaries are also enrolled in an insurance scheme covering fire outbreaks and explosions, user injury, third-party liability, damage or theft.

They will also have access to a basic healthcare package.

“Our objective is to reduce indoor air pollution, protect health and support vulnerable and indigent households to transition safely and sustainably to clean cooking,” Fasawe said.

She explained that the insurance component was introduced to address safety concerns and build confidence around the use of cooking gas.

To promote sustainability, beneficiaries will receive gas refill vouchers, a move aimed at preventing a return to polluting fuels and encouraging long-term behavioural change.

Focus on Vulnerable Groups

According to the mandate secretary, priority is being given to women-led households, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable families.

The programme is also expected to reduce healthcare costs, save time and improve household safety.