The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to stricter regulation and improved standards in the health sector with the commissioning of the South-East Zonal Office of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) in Enugu.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who inaugurated the facility on Tuesday, said the development aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative aimed at transforming healthcare delivery nationwide.
Salako commended the RRBN leadership, headed by Registrar Mark Chukwudi Okeji, for delivering the project. He disclosed that funding for its final furnishing and operationalisation has already been captured in the 2026 budget proposal.
The minister stressed that effective regulation is critical to improving health outcomes, warning that unprofessional practices continue to threaten patient safety.
“Without proper regulation and monitoring, quackery thrives, standards are compromised, and patients suffer. This administration is determined to ensure strict regulation of professional practices in the health sector,” he said.
He recalled that upon assuming office in October 2024, he toured health regulatory agencies, including the RRBN, to reinforce the administration’s resolve to strengthen oversight institutions. He added that funding for regulatory bodies had been restored after years of suspension.
Salako urged radiographers to reciprocate government support by maintaining high ethical standards and prioritising patient welfare.
“A well-regulated, highly skilled workforce ensures accurate diagnoses, safer procedures, and improved patient outcomes,” he said, calling on the board to widen registration coverage, enforce radiation safety standards and strengthen continuing professional development.
He also encouraged the board to deepen the adoption of digital platforms to make regulatory services more accessible, particularly to practitioners in underserved communities.
According to him, the zonal office will enhance access to licensing, compliance monitoring and professional training for radiographers across the South-East and adjoining regions.
The minister lauded the Enugu State Government for supporting the project, noting that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s reforms in manpower development, infrastructure and health technology align with national healthcare objectives.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will continue to work with Enugu State Government to ensure people have access to quality preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services without financial hardship,” he said.
Salako further praised Nigerian radiographers for their critical role in producing and optimising diagnostic images using X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound technologies, describing their work as foundational to modern healthcare. He also commended outgoing Registrar Prof. Okeji for his contributions to advancing radiography practice in the country.
Declaring the office open, the minister reiterated the government’s resolve to build a healthcare system that guarantees safe, timely and high-quality radiography services for all Nigerians.
“Let this zonal office be a catalyst for professional excellence, better health outcomes, and national prosperity,” he said.
