Date Published: 08/06/09

U-17 Championship: FG to commence sanitary inspection of hotels, restaurants and facilities

As the FIFA Under-17 World Soccer Championship approaches, the Federal Ministry of Environment is to commence mandatory inspection of Hotels, Restaurants and facilities in all the six states selected by FIFA.

The inspection is to ensure that these facilities meet world standard in terms of hygiene and sanitary conditions.

Speaking in Abuja on the inauguration of mosquito repellants yesterday, the Minister pointed out that the Nigeria is determined to ensure the overall success of the U-17 Championship in all the selected centers.

He said, “ you are all aware of our preparation to host the Under-17 World Cup Champion scheduled to start from October this year. During the Championship, teams and delegates from various countries as well as unspecified large number of spectators and journalists will visit our country.

“As a result of the large number of guests expected in our country, it is envisaged that our hotels, restaurants and other facilities in the six selected states and centers would be subjected to unusual stress that could compromise the sanitary situation.

“As a result of the need to uphold high hygienic conditions at all the facilities and in all the states throughout the Championship, my ministry will from now on conduct mandatory sanitary inspection of government premises, hotels and all facilities that will be part of the Championship .

“The activities of the Environmental Health Officers from my ministry, who will carry out the sanitary inspection exercises would form part of the over all success of the hosting of the FIFA Under-17 Championship.

“I therefore urge all Nigerians and private owners of the premises and facilities to cooperate with the Environment Health Officers during the course of the operations.”