The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to begin mandatory hepatitis screening for food handlers across Abuja. This initiative aims to strengthen public health and enhance food safety in the capital.

Targeting food vendors in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens, the screening is designed to reduce the spread of foodborne diseases, including Hepatitis A and E, which are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as Hepatitis B and C, which are spread through blood and bodily fluids.

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

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

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

He emphasised that food handlers are “an often overlooked group” whose roles are critical in ensuring the safety of what people consume daily. He urged the public to view them as essential public health stewards.

The FCTA also called on all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare providers, food business operators, and the public—to support the initiative. This includes 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 concluded.

Further details regarding the screening timeline and rollout will be communicated in due course by the administration.

President Bola Tinubu has introduced two new healthcare initiatives: the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme and the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers.

The aim of these programs is to enhance the health and social well-being of Nigerians, foster economic development, and establish Nigeria as a healthcare hub in Africa.

During the launch of these initiatives in Bauchi State on Friday, August 16, 2024, the president, represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted that these projects will complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.

He stated that beyond providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, the facilities will reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.

Tinubu added that upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through its subsidiary, Medserve, will operate the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa, with the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years, in addition to enhancing clinical trial and research capabilities.

He said: “This programme will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, propelling us towards our national healthcare goals: saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.

“The second initiative, the launch of the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers, is a personal performance indicator for me as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership. We all know that health workers and other professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system.

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“By equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our population.”

Underscoring the viability of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), President Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that the nation’s productivity and wealth depend on the vitality of its people, adding that basic healthcare is a fundamental human right, as well as a matter of long-term national security.

Tinubu emphasised that his administration will continue to prioritise healthcare, enhance preventive measures, and invest in health education while fostering health equity and justice.

Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed thanked Tinubu for his investments in the health sector.

Mohammed said: “We thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the giant strides he is making in the health sector.

“Even those of us in the opposition party, we are federalists and appreciate the work and collaboration with Mr President’s team here, with both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health, to kick off this impactful project for all Nigerians.”

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu has commenced the relocation of his office to an area outside the vicinity of the Government House.

The development follows last of Shuaibu’s suit filed at the Federal High Court to stop alleged plots by week’s withdrawal   the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, to remove him from office.

The new office is situated at No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, close to the Government House.

Sources close to the deputy governor said  that a letter was sent by the Head of Service to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor instructing her to supervise the movement of civil servants and files to the new office.

It was also gathered that the new office is not habitable as there is no electricity, is waterlogged, and the office spaces are significantly small.

The state government had however insisted that the deputy governor’s new office is within the confines of the area designated as the Government House.