The Federal Capital Territory Administration has issued a sweeping directive ordering all public premises operating within Abuja to obtain mandatory health and environmental certificates, warning that failure to comply will attract stiff penalties.
DDM gathered that the directive was released on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, through the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat as part of renewed efforts to enforce environmental health standards across the nation’s capital.
According to the notice, the policy applies to all categories of public premises, including offices, schools, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, markets, event centres, religious facilities, and other establishments open to members of the public.
FCTA officials said the directive is aimed at safeguarding the health, safety, and general wellbeing of residents, workers, and clients amid growing concerns over sanitation, overcrowding, and environmental degradation in Abuja.
The administration stressed that public premises must now comply fully with statutory environmental health regulations as provided under existing laws and professional guidelines.
Under the directive, affected premises are required to undergo sanitary inspections conducted by authorised environmental health officers to assess hygiene standards, waste disposal systems, water supply, and general cleanliness.
Operators must also obtain certificates of fitness for habitation, confirming that buildings meet minimum health and safety requirements for human use.
In addition, the FCTA listed occupational health audits as compulsory, especially for workplaces where employees may be exposed to health or environmental hazards.
Environmental Impact Assessments were also included among the required services, particularly for facilities whose operations could affect surrounding communities or ecosystems.
Food-related establishments, including eateries, food vendors, and catering services, are mandated to secure food handling permits to ensure compliance with hygiene and food safety standards.
The notice further directed premises operators to pay all applicable fees into the official FCTA Revenue account as stipulated by law.
Proof of payment must be presented to relevant authorities before the issuance of any health or environmental certificate.
Officials warned that no certificate would be released without proper documentation, inspections, and verification of compliance.
The administration gave a 14-day compliance window from the date of the notice, after which enforcement measures would commence.
Failure to comply within the stipulated period, the FCTA warned, would attract penalties in line with the National Environmental Health Practice Regulation, 2024.
Sanctions may include fines, sealing of premises, prosecution, or other enforcement actions as provided by law.
Public health experts have welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue given the rapid population growth and increased commercial activity within Abuja.
They argue that weak enforcement of environmental health regulations has contributed to recurring outbreaks of preventable diseases and unsafe working conditions.
However, some business operators have expressed concern over the cost implications and short compliance timeline, calling on the FCTA to provide clearer guidance and support.
Civil society groups say transparency will be key to preventing abuse, extortion, or selective enforcement during the certification process.
Analysts note that the directive signals a more aggressive regulatory posture by the FCTA as authorities seek to project Abuja as a well-regulated and safe capital city.
They also warn that consistent enforcement, rather than one-off crackdowns, will determine whether the policy delivers long-term public health benefits.
As the compliance deadline approaches, residents and business owners alike are watching closely to see how rigorously the administration will implement the order.
The FCTA has urged all operators of public premises to act promptly, stressing that the directive is not optional but a legal requirement designed to protect public health and environmental safety.
With enforcement set to begin after the 14-day window, Abuja may be heading into a new era of stricter health and environmental regulation, one that could reshape how public spaces operate across the Federal Capital Territory.