FCTA Introduces Mandatory Hepatitis Screening For Food Handlers In Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to implement mandatory hepatitis screening for all food handlers in Abuja, targeting those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens. The policy, unveiled by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, during a goodwill message marking World Hepatitis Day, aims to safeguard public health and enhance food safety across the capital.
Delivered on behalf of the Minister by Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, the announcement highlights the critical role of food handlers in preventing the spread of hepatitis, particularly types A and E, which are transmitted through contaminated food and water. Wike noted that poor hygiene practices in food handling can pose significant risks in Abuja’s rapidly growing and cosmopolitan environment. Hepatitis B and C, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids, also present a threat in settings where hygiene standards are not maintained, such as through open wounds.
The initiative will be rolled out through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, aligning with Nigeria’s National Policy on Food Safety and Quality. This collaboration will combine private sector efficiency, technical expertise, and funding with government oversight to ensure regular and mandatory screening for Hepatitis B and C among food handlers. The programme also includes promoting free Hepatitis B vaccinations at public health facilities, enforcing standardised food safety training with hepatitis awareness, and strengthening licensing and hygiene inspections for food vendors.
Wike described food handlers as “essential public health stewards,” emphasising that simple, consistent hygiene practices can significantly reduce hepatitis transmission. “Hygiene cannot wait. Screening cannot wait. Action cannot wait,” he declared, urging stakeholders, including government agencies, private enterprises, healthcare providers, and food industry operators, to support the initiative. The FCTA also aims to address the stigma surrounding hepatitis through public awareness campaigns, fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility.
The move has been widely praised as a proactive step to protect Abuja’s residents and bolster confidence in the city’s food industry. By prioritising the health of food handlers, the FCTA seeks to set a national standard for food safety, ensuring that Abuja’s food sector becomes a model of health, safety, and excellence. The screening programme is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance across all food service establishments in the capital.
