In a bold move to protect public health and food safety, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to launch a comprehensive hepatitis screening exercise for all food handlers operating within Abuja.
The initiative targets workers in restaurants, markets, bakeries, canteens, and other food businesses, aiming to curb the spread of hepatitis A, B, C, and E, alongside other foodborne diseases.
This was revealed in a goodwill message by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during the World Hepatitis Day 2025 celebration. The message, delivered by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, emphasized that food handlers are often overlooked in public health interventions, despite their crucial role in safeguarding food safety.
“Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B and C spread via blood and bodily fluids,” Wike noted. “In a fast-growing city like Abuja, poor hygiene practices among food handlers can escalate these risks significantly.”
To address this, the FCTA will implement regular, mandatory hepatitis screenings in collaboration with a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, in line with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality. This partnership will leverage private sector expertise and resources, while maintaining strict government oversight.
The Minister urged all stakeholders—including government agencies, private enterprises, healthcare providers, and operators in the food industry—to support the initiative by ensuring:
Mandatory Hepatitis B and C screenings for food handlers.
Access to free Hepatitis B vaccinations in public health facilities.
Standardized food safety training with a focus on hepatitis awareness.
Strict enforcement of hygiene inspections and licensing for food vendors.
Public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma around hepatitis.
“Food handlers are not just service providers; they are frontline defenders of public health,” Wike stressed. “It’s time to break the silence—hygiene cannot wait, screening cannot wait, and action cannot wait. Together, let’s transform Abuja’s food industry into a symbol of health, safety, and excellence.”
The hepatitis screening program is set to commence in the coming weeks, with a goal of making Abuja a benchmark city for food safety in Nigeria.
