By Joy Onu
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has urged health regulatory bodies to reciprocate the government’s renewed support for quality healthcare delivery, emphasizing compliance, ethical practice, and patient-centered care.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the call during the commissioning of the South East Zonal Office of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria in Enugu on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. The development was made known in a statement issued to the media by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Dr. Salako recalled that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, professional regulatory bodies, including those in the health sector, had lost government budgetary funding. Recognising the critical roles these agencies play in safeguarding public health, the President reversed the policy, restoring support to health regulatory bodies while other sectors remained unfunded.
Highlighting the first pillar of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the Minister stressed that the government is committed to enabling regulatory bodies to carry out their mandates effectively. “Without proper regulation and monitoring, quackery thrives, standards of practice suffer, patients are at risk, and health outcomes decline,” he noted.
Dr. Salako reaffirmed that the Federal Government continues to prioritise regulatory bodies, including the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, and urged them to reciprocate by enforcing compliance, upholding professional ethics, and prioritising patient welfare. He warned that quackery, malpractice, and negligence would be met with appropriate sanctions.
“It is my hope that this zonal office will enhance access to registration, licensing, compliance, and continuing professional development for practitioners in the Southeast and neighbouring regions,” Dr. Salako said. He described the commissioning as a landmark achievement, reinforcing the government’s commitment to elevating the standard of radiography practice and patient care across Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his consistent support to the health sector and assured continued collaboration to ensure residents of the state have access to quality preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative healthcare without financial burden.
Dr. Salako also acknowledged the leadership of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, led by Registrar Prof. Mark Chukwudi Okeji, for bringing the project to fruition. He confirmed that furnishing and finishing works for the complex have been included in the 2026 budget proposal, pending National Assembly approval, which will enable swift operationalisation of the zonal office.
