Wike: Food handlers in Abuja must undergo mandatory hepatitis screening

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says the administration will carry out a mandatory comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers, especially those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s spokesperson, said the minister announced the initiative in a goodwill message marking World Hepatitis Day 2025.

Hepatitis is a medical condition that refers to inflammation of the liver and can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

The ailment may result from various causes, including viral infections, alcohol use, toxins, certain medications, or autoimmune conditions.

Hepatitis A and E can be spread through contaminated food and water.

Olayinka said Adedolapo Fasawe, the mandate secretary, health services and environment secretariat, delivered the goodwill message on behalf of the minister.

He quoted Wike as saying that the initiative is aimed at protecting public health and empowering food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility in the nation’s capital.

The FCT minister described food handlers as an overlooked group whose role is pivotal in safeguarding public health.

“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.

“This PPP consortium will combine the efficiency, technical expertise, and funding capacity of the private sector with government oversight to implement regular and mandatory Hepatitis B and C screening for all food handlers within 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, promotion of free and effective hepatitis B vaccination at public health facilities, enforcement of standardised 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.

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