The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the country’s worsening economic conditions and persistent security challenges, warning that citizens and workers are bearing the brunt of the crises.
The union made the appeal after its National Executive Council meeting, where members from across the country reviewed developments in the health sector and national economy.
During the meeting, NUAHP also expressed strong opposition to proposed amendments to laws governing health regulatory councils. According to the union, the planned changes could create an imbalance within the healthcare system by giving one professional group authority over others.
Speaking on the matter, NUAHP President, Dr. Kamal Ibrahim, 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 maintained that all healthcare professions should retain their independent regulatory structures and urged lawmakers to halt further consideration of the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 pending the resolution of legal disputes surrounding the proposals.
“We therefore urge the National Assembly to stop further consideration of these Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 as currently articulated in the greater interest of peace and stability of Nigeria’s Health Sector Ecosystem,” Ibrahim stated.
Beyond health sector concerns, the union decried the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly the impact of high energy costs and the country’s long-running fuel challenges.
He said, “The NEC demands urgent and renewed political will from the Federal Government to tackle this age-long energy crisis that has perennially affected the living conditions of Nigerian workers and the masses with its attendant consequences on Nigeria’s economy.”
The union further urged the government to strengthen security efforts across the country, despite acknowledging recent gains recorded by security agencies against criminal groups.
NUAHP also accused the government of failing to fully implement agreements reached with health workers following the suspension of the Joint Health Sector Unions’ strike, including aspects of the revised salary structure.
At the end of the meeting, the union called for immediate action to improve workers’ welfare, restore economic stability, and enhance security nationwide while assuring members that discussions with relevant authorities remain ongoing.
