FCTA to begin mandatory hepatitis tests for all food vendors in Abuja

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to commence mandatory hepatitis screening for food vendors operating in the nation’s capital.

The screening exercise, which will target food handlers in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens, is aimed at curbing the spread of hepatitis and reinforcing food safety in Abuja.

This was disclosed in a goodwill message by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT, to mark World Hepatitis Day 2025.

The message was delivered by Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat.

“Hepatitis A and E, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, can rapidly spread through poor hygiene practices, posing serious risks in our rapidly expanding and cosmopolitan city of Abuja,” the message read.

“Furthermore, Hepatitis B and C, predominantly spread through blood and bodily fluids, still pose a risk in food environments where open wounds or poor hygiene are present.”

Wike said food handlers remain an often-overlooked group despite their critical role in ensuring the health and safety of residents.

“Therefore, the FCT Administration, committed to safeguarding public health and food security, is launching a strategic initiative to enhance food safety through comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers,” he said.

This ambitious initiative is being scaled up through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, in alignment with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality.”

He explained that the PPP consortium will bring together the private sector’s efficiency and funding with government oversight to carry out regular and compulsory Hepatitis B and C screening across the FCT.

“We urge all stakeholders, government agencies, private enterprises, healthcare providers, and food industry operators to actively support this transformative initiative through the mandatory hepatitis screenings for food handlers,” he added.

“Also the oromotion of free and effective Hepatitis B vaccination at public health facilities, enforcement of standardized food safety training inclusive of hepatitis awareness, rigorous enforcement of licensing, hygiene inspections, and medical screening requirements for food vendors and handlers and raising awareness and compassionately addressing the stigma surrounding hepatitis.”

He emphasised that food vendors are not just service providers, but frontline public health stewards.

“To us, food handlers are not just service providers, they are essential public health stewards,” he said.

“Simple, consistent, and safe hygiene practices can significantly reduce hepatitis transmission.

Therefore, let us break the silence. Hygiene cannot wait. Screening cannot wait.

“Action cannot wait. Together, let’s ensure that the FCT leads by example, turning our food industry into a symbol of health, safety, and excellence.”