IHS Nigeria Completes Clean Cooking Initiative in Abuja
IHS Nigeria has successfully concluded a clean cooking initiative in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, distributing 10,000 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to households. This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, which are known contributors to indoor air pollution and health risks.
The project, named Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja, was implemented in collaboration with the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat. It aimed to reach underserved communities across the six area councils of the territory, providing them with cleaner and safer cooking alternatives.
The initiative came to an end with a ceremonial event held at the Bwari Area Council Stadium. During this event, beneficiaries received LPG cylinders and refill vouchers as part of the final phase of the programme. The telecom asset manager shared details of the event via an email to The PUNCH on Monday.
A Commitment to Health and Sustainability
Speaking at the ceremony, Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS Nigeria, emphasized that the programme fulfilled a commitment made when the initiative was launched in November 2025. This commitment was to support the FCT Administration’s efforts in reducing household air pollution and improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable communities.
Otunla, who represented the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamad Darwish, stated:
“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.”
He added that the initiative aligns with IHS Nigeria’s sustainability priorities, particularly in environmental protection and community development. By helping households transition from traditional biomass fuels like firewood and charcoal to LPG, the project contributes to a healthier living environment.
Expanding Impact Through Healthcare Access
In addition to distributing LPG cylinders, the project also enrolled 2,000 beneficiaries into IHS Nigeria’s Project Clinic Without Walls Health Insurance Scheme. This move significantly broadened the programme’s impact by improving access to healthcare services for the participating families.
Otunla highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving these outcomes:
“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.”
Addressing the Need for Alternatives
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, explained that the programme was designed to offer residents a practical alternative to cooking with firewood and charcoal rather than merely discouraging their use.
“We could not simply ask people to stop using firewood and charcoal without providing them with a practical alternative,” she said.
Fasawe praised IHS Nigeria for its contribution to improving public health through cleaner household energy. She noted that beneficiaries across the six area councils received LPG cylinders and refill vouchers, which helped reduce exposure to harmful indoor smoke while promoting cleaner cooking methods.
Community Feedback and Safety Demonstration
Beneficiaries shared positive testimonials about how access to LPG had improved their daily lives. Additionally, officials from the Federal Fire Service demonstrated the safe handling and use of LPG cylinders during the closing ceremony, reinforcing the importance of proper usage for safety and efficiency.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including officials from the FCT Administration, representatives of the Minister of State for the FCT, traditional rulers, area council representatives, and community leaders.
