IHS Nigeria, FCT-HSES Launch Smart Cooking Gas Distribution Under ‘Breathe Clean Air, Abuja’ Campaign
Peace Udugba
November 16, 2025
3 min read
By peace Udugba
November 15, 2025, Abuja: IHS Nigeria, the largest communications infrastructure company in Nigeria and part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, ,
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, the Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish, 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, the Mandate Secretary of FCT-HSES, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe,
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.
The Permanent Secretary, FCT-HSES, Dr. Babagana Adams, 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.
