FCTA projects

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched two major initiatives—the Mother–Baby Kit Project and the Project Breathe Clean Air-Abuja—to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths while addressing the health risks of household air pollution.

The projects were unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, who stressed that no woman should face childbirth without adequate support and no child should begin life without essential care.

“These kits reflect our deep commitment to maternal and child health and to ensuring that every mother and baby is given the best start possible,” she said.

The initiatives

• Mother–Baby Kit Project – “Renewing Hope: One Baby at a Time”
  Provides pregnant women with essential delivery items to promote safe childbirth. Each kit includes a maternity gown, baby suit, sanitary pads, solar lantern, baby shawl, sponge, towel, plate and spoon, and diapers.
• Project Breathe Clean Air-Abuja – “Renewing Hope: One Home at a Time”
  Aims to cut household air pollution by encouraging families to switch from firewood, charcoal, and kerosene to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking. The initiative also seeks to reduce respiratory diseases, curb deforestation, and support Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

At the launch, the FCTA distributed over 250 mother-baby kits and 500 LPG cylinders to women across the FCT. Pregnant women were also enrolled in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) to guarantee access to safe delivery.

Broader health gains under the Renewed Hope Agenda

Mahmoud noted that the projects build on the administration’s recent investments in health, including:

• New oxygen plants and a Vesico-Vaginal Fistula Centre.
• Expanded health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups.
• Renovated hospitals and improved workforce conditions.
• A new Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, said the initiative aligns with the Universal Health Coverage framework and Sustainable Development Goal 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.”

Voices from the beneficiaries

One of the recipients, Sadiya Aliyu, expressed gratitude:

Key Impact at a Glance

• 250+ baby kits distributed.
• 500 LPG cylinders given to households.
• Free maternal health insurance enrollment.
• Focus areas: maternal safety, neonatal care, clean cooking, climate-friendly energy.