In a move to enhance public health and food safety, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to begin comprehensive hepatitis screening for food vendors across Abuja. The screening will target individuals working in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens.

The announcement was made in a goodwill message from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, delivered by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, during the 2025 World Hepatitis Day.

The initiative aims to curb the spread of Hepatitis A and E commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as Hepatitis B and C, which pose a risk through blood contact and poor hygiene. Minister Wike emphasized the critical role food handlers play in protecting public health, calling them a “previously overlooked group.”

To achieve this, the FCTA is partnering with a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium that will oversee regular, mandatory screenings. This collaboration is expected to blend private sector efficiency with government regulation, supporting the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality.

The effort signals a proactive step toward building a safer, healthier food environment in Abuja’s rapidly growing urban landscape.