FCTA mandates hepatitis screening for all food handlers to boost hygiene and public safety.
Minister Wike says the move will curb disease spread and raise food industry health standards.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a new public health initiative mandating hepatitis screening for all food handlers operating in restaurants, bakeries, markets, and canteens within Abuja. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance food safety and prevent the spread of foodborne and communicable diseases.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in commemoration of the 2025 World Hepatitis Day. The statement was delivered on his behalf by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat.
According to the FCTA, this policy aims to address the growing threat of hepatitis A and E, transmitted primarily through contaminated food and water, and hepatitis B and C, which are spread through blood and other bodily fluids. The administration emphasized that poor hygiene in food environments can accelerate disease transmission, especially in a densely populated city like Abuja.
Wike described food handlers as frontline public health defenders, often overlooked despite their crucial role in ensuring the safety of what people consume. “This initiative will, in the long run, protect public health and empower food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility,” he said.
The hepatitis screening program will be implemented through a strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP), combining the private sector’s technical expertise and funding with government oversight. The initiative aligns with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and includes regular screening for Hepatitis B and C.
Wike urged stakeholders ranging from healthcare providers and regulatory agencies to restaurant owners and food vendors to support the initiative entirely. He called on them to facilitate mandatory screening, promote free Hepatitis B vaccinations at public facilities, and enforce standardized food safety and hygiene training across the industry.
Additional measures include routine licensing enforcement, hygiene inspections, medical screening protocols, and public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around hepatitis.
“This is more than a policy, it’s a call to action,” Wike stressed. “Food handlers are not just service providers; they are essential public health stewards. Through responsible hygiene practices and regular health checks, we can significantly curb hepatitis transmission in our communities.”
The FCTA says the program is designed not only to protect consumers but also to elevate standards within the food industry, making Abuja a model for safe, hygienic, and accountable food practices in Nigeria.
