The Federal Capital Territory Administration says more than 12,500 households have switched from firewood and charcoal to cleaner cooking gas under the Abuja Breathe Clean Air Initiative.
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ABUJA, FCT – July 3, 2026
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says more than 12,500 households across Abuja have transitioned from the use of firewood and charcoal to cleaner cooking gas under the Abuja Breathe Clean Air Initiative, marking a significant milestone in the territory's efforts to improve public health, protect the environment, and reduce dependence on traditional cooking fuels.
Officials said the programme is designed to promote cleaner household energy, reduce indoor air pollution, combat deforestation, and improve the quality of life for thousands of families, particularly women and children who are disproportionately affected by smoke from traditional cooking methods.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria's broader commitment to expanding access to clean energy and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to health, climate action, and affordable clean energy.
Speaking on the progress of the initiative, FCTA officials said the transition from firewood and charcoal to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has significantly reduced exposure to harmful smoke in participating households.
According to the administration, indoor air pollution remains one of the leading environmental health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases, eye problems, and other health complications.
Officials noted that many rural and low-income urban households continue to rely on biomass fuels despite the well-documented health and environmental consequences.
They explained that the Abuja Breathe Clean Air Initiative seeks to change that reality through increased awareness, access to cleaner cooking technologies, and support for vulnerable households.
Health experts say women and young children bear the greatest burden of indoor air pollution because they spend more time around cooking areas.
The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood, charcoal, and other solid fuels increases the risk of pneumonia, chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and certain cancers.
Officials said replacing traditional fuels with LPG not only improves household health but also reduces the time spent gathering firewood, enabling women and children to devote more time to education, income-generating activities, and family welfare.
Beyond improving public health, the initiative is also expected to contribute to environmental conservation.
Heavy reliance on firewood remains one of the drivers of deforestation in many parts of Nigeria, leading to land degradation, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental experts believe wider adoption of cleaner cooking fuels can significantly reduce pressure on forests while supporting Nigeria's climate change commitments.
The FCTA said encouraging cleaner household energy remains an important component of its environmental sustainability agenda.
Energy and environmental stakeholders have welcomed the programme, describing it as a practical intervention capable of improving public health and environmental protection simultaneously.
However, they urged governments at all levels to expand similar initiatives to rural communities where dependence on firewood remains highest.
They also called for policies that would make cooking gas more affordable and accessible through improved distribution networks, targeted subsidies, and increased investment in LPG infrastructure.
Consumer groups further appealed for continuous public education on the safe handling and use of cooking gas to minimise accidents associated with improper storage and usage.
The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the Abuja Breathe Clean Air Initiative and encouraging more households to adopt cleaner cooking alternatives.
Officials expressed optimism that sustained investment in clean energy programmes would improve public health outcomes, reduce environmental degradation, and contribute to a more sustainable future for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
The administration said it would continue working with development partners, private sector stakeholders, and community organisations to promote cleaner household energy solutions across Abuja.
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