FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja –
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to initiate mandatory hepatitis screening for food handlers in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens across the FCT.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike revealed this in a statement issued by the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, during the 2025 World Hepatitis Day commemoration in Abuja on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to protect public health and ensure food safety in the capital.
“This program will curb the spread of hepatitis and other foodborne illnesses, fostering trust and credibility in food businesses,” Wike stated, highlighting the importance of the measure for Abuja’s growing urban population.
Wike noted that Hepatitis A and E, often spread through contaminated food or water, thrive in environments with poor hygiene, posing significant risks in a bustling city like Abuja. Similarly, Hepatitis B and C, transmitted through blood or bodily fluids, can spread in food settings where hygiene is neglected or open wounds are present.
“Food handlers are critical to public health, yet their role in preventing disease is often underestimated,” Wike emphasized.
To address this, the FCTA is launching a comprehensive screening program for Hepatitis B and C, implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium.
This aligns with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality, combining private sector expertise and funding with government oversight.
Wike called on government agencies, private businesses, healthcare providers, and food industry stakeholders to support the initiative through measures like mandatory screenings, free Hepatitis B vaccinations at public health facilities, standardized food safety training, and stricter hygiene inspections. He also stressed the need to raise awareness and reduce stigma around hepatitis.
“Food handlers are more than service providers; they are guardians of public health,” Wike declared.
“With consistent hygiene practices and timely screenings, we can significantly reduce hepatitis transmission. Let’s act now to make the FCT a model of health and safety excellence.”
