The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria has strongly opposed a proposed legislative amendment, warning that it poses a serious threat to the existence and independence of the profession in the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano, the association’s president, Dr Musa Dembele, criticised the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026 (HB 2695), describing it as “not a reform but a targeted, calculated, and existential assault on the profession of radiography.”
According to him, the bill seeks to transfer key regulatory powers from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, a move the association believes would undermine the profession’s autonomy and erase its identity.
Dembele specifically pointed to provisions in the bill that grant sweeping authority to the medical council, warning that such measures would effectively strip the radiography board of its statutory responsibilities. He described the provision as “a legislative nuclear weapon” designed to dismantle the profession’s regulatory framework.
The association also raised concerns over what it termed “conceptual theft,” alleging that the bill redefines radiology in a way that eliminates radiography as an independent scientific discipline. It warned that the proposed law would subject radiographers to oversight by individuals “with no expertise in radiographic science.”
On the financial implications, the group accused the bill of promoting “extortion as regulation,” noting that it proposes sharing a significant portion of practitioners’ fees with another professional body. “This reveals the true motive — financial colonisation,” Dembele said.
The association further criticised a related amendment bill (HB 2699), which it said could weaken the Radiographers Registration Board by introducing external control and excessive ministerial influence, thereby politicising professional regulation.
Citing global best practices in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, the association stressed that radiography regulation is typically led by professionals within the field, not external bodies.
It therefore called on the National Assembly to reject the proposed legislation in its entirety and urged stakeholders to convene a summit aimed at developing a balanced regulatory framework that respects the independence of all health professions.
The group added that it is aligned with other health sector stakeholders, including joint unions and allied professionals, who have also opposed similar legislative efforts, warning that the bill could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s healthcare system if passed.
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