FCTA to launch mandatory hepatitis screening for food handlers

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to commence mandatory hepatitis screening for food handlers across Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen public health and food safety in the capital.

The initiative, which will target food vendors in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens, is designed to curb the spread of foodborne diseases such as Hepatitis A and E, which are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as Hepatitis B and C, which spread through blood and bodily fluids.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a goodwill message marking World Hepatitis Day 2025. The statement was delivered on his behalf by the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe.

According to the Minister, the screening will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement that will combine the efficiency, technical expertise, and resources of the private sector with the regulatory oversight of government.

“This strategic initiative aligns with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and will include regular and mandatory screening for Hepatitis B and C among all food handlers within the FCT,” Wike said.

He described food handlers as “an often overlooked group” whose role is critical in ensuring the safety of what people consume daily, and emphasized the need to view them as essential public health stewards.

The FCTA also called on all stakeholders—including government agencies, healthcare providers, food business operators, and the public—to support the initiative by promoting hepatitis awareness, encouraging vaccinations, and enforcing hygiene and safety standards.

“We must act urgently. Hygiene cannot wait. Screening cannot wait. Action cannot wait. Together, let’s ensure the FCT leads by example, turning our food industry into a model of health, safety, and excellence,” the statement read.

Further details on the screening timeline and rollout will be communicated in due course, according to the administration.