IHS Nigeria, a communications infrastructure company and the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have commenced the distribution of smart cooking gasses to underserved households in the FCT under the Breathe Clean Air Abuja Campaign.
This initiative aimed at promoting clean household energy and increasing public awareness on the health impacts of air pollution in the FCT was recently launched at the Kashim Shettima Hall, Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, following an earlier MOU signing between both organisations in September and underscores IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable energy adoption and strengthening environmental health standards across Nigeria.
This initiative aligns with IHS Nigeria’s broader sustainability agenda especially the ‘our people and community’ and ‘environment and climate change’ pillars, particularly its focus on adopting cleaner energy across its operations and improving environmental health outcomes in host communities. IHS Towers, the Holding company has set a target to reduce the company’s kilowatt-hour emissions intensity by approximately 50% by 2030.
In his remarks, Mohamad Darwish, the chief executive officer of IHS Nigeria, spoke about the everyday realities of smoke exposure and the importance of transitioning to healthier cooking options.
“When you think about how much smoke our mothers and sisters inhale while cooking every day, you immediately understand why this project matters. If we can help thousands of families breathe cleaner air, we should all be proud to be part of it,” he said.
Darwish noted that discussions with the Mandate Secretary of the FCT-HSES made it clear that the initiative is designed to grow beyond this first rollout, with future phases expected to attract government funding as well as private-sector support.
In her keynote address, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of FCT-HSES, highlighted the growing impact of both indoor and outdoor air pollution on the health outcome of households, particularly women and children.
She cautioned that prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood and charcoal continues to contribute to respiratory illnesses including lung cancer and other health conditions.
Dr. Fasawe described the programme as the start of a multi-phase effort to promote cleaner energy alternatives across the FCT.
She also unveiled the Sustainability Champions Initiative, a youth-focused platform that will drive advocacy and environmental education in schools and communities.
Representing the legislature, Hon. Dr. Emil Inyang, Chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on FCT Health, commended IHS Nigeria for its commitment to the initiative and pledged to support the inclusion of the programme in the 2026 FCT budget. He later led the symbolic presentation of gas cylinders to selected beneficiaries.
Dr. Babagana Adams, the permanent secretary, FCT-HSES, also delivered a goodwill message, acknowledging IHS Nigeria’s support and reaffirming the Secretariat’s commitment to improving public health outcomes across the FCT.
A key highlight of the event was the announcement by IHS Nigeria of a six-month LPG refill support for all beneficiaries of the gas cylinders distributed at the launch.
The ceremony concluded with a demonstration of the clean-cooking equipment, and distribution to beneficiaries including some members of the disabled community.
