The development was made public in a report shared on Sunday morning, stating that PEPSA shut down Madam Calabar Restaurant and Calabar Restaurant, both located at Old Airport area of Jos, due to unkept surroundings and poor sanitary conditions.
According to the report, the enforcement action followed a routine environmental sanitation monitoring exercise carried out across the state on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Officials of the agency were said to have inspected several premises during the exercise, including food outlets and restaurants, to ensure compliance with environmental and public health regulations.
During the inspection at the Old Airport eateries, authorities reportedly observed unsatisfactory sanitary conditions and unclean environments, which they described as falling short of acceptable public health standards. As a result, the agency moved to seal the premises pending further compliance measures.
In addition to the sanitation concerns, some minors were allegedly found working in one of the affected restaurants. The matter was promptly referred to the Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Panglang Dafur, for appropriate action in line with child protection and labour laws.
PEPSA noted that the monitoring was part of its ongoing efforts to enforce environmental sanitation laws and promote a cleaner, healthier environment across Plateau State. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that business owners adhere strictly to hygiene standards, particularly those operating in the food and hospitality sector.
The closure of the restaurants has sparked reactions among residents of Jos, especially patrons familiar with the popular Old Airport establishments. While some residents commended the agency for enforcing sanitary regulations, others expressed concern over the impact of the shutdown on staff and customers.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the affected restaurants had not issued an official statement regarding the closure. Further updates are expected as investigations and compliance assessments continue.
