The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals on Friday warned the National Assembly against proceeding with proposed amendments to laws establishing health regulatory councils, describing the move as potentially destabilising to the health sector.
The union also called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address worsening economic hardship, rising energy costs and insecurity across the country.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s statutory National Executive Council meeting held virtually.
Members of the National Administrative Council attended the meeting, National Executive Council representatives from health institutions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as leaders of healthcare professional associations affiliated with the union.
In his opening remarks, the National President of NUAHP, Dr Kamal Ibrahim, assured members of the leadership’s commitment to protecting their welfare, fundamental rights and working conditions.
A major highlight of the communiqué was the union’s opposition to ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to amend laws establishing health regulatory councils.
Ibrahim alleged that the proposed amendments would place medical and dental practitioners in supervisory positions over other healthcare professions, a move it described as discriminatory and harmful to healthcare delivery.
He said, “The NEC observed the danger of the ongoing attempt by the National Assembly to amend the Acts of Parliament establishing the Health Regulatory Councils, thereby foisting an apartheid regime in Nigeria’s Health Sector by imposing Medical and Dental Practitioners over the professional regulatory control of other healthcare professions.”
The union argued that healthcare professions are distinct and should maintain independent regulatory structures.
It also urged lawmakers to suspend consideration of the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026, citing ongoing litigation over aspects of the proposed legislation.
The health professionals also warned that proceeding with legislative action while court cases remain pending could violate parliamentary rules and undermine confidence in the legislative process.
The union specifically referenced Senate Standing Order 52(5), which discourages debate on matters pending before courts where such discussions could prejudice parties involved in the litigation.
The union believed that an immediate implementation of the policy would address existing gaps in internship training and improve opportunities for young health professionals nationwide.
