Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations staged a protest on Thursday at Unity Fountain in Abuja, opposing a proposed health sector regulatory bill currently before the National Assembly.
The demonstrators marched through parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), carrying placards and chanting slogans, warning that the legislation could undermine the independence of various health professions.
At the heart of their concerns is a provision that would place all medical and allied health professions under the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
They argued that such centralisation risks weakening the autonomy of existing regulatory bodies for nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other health practitioners.
JOHESU national secretary, Martin Egbanubi, said the protest aims to raise public awareness about the potential impact of the bill.
He described the demonstration as a “critical moment” for healthcare workers and urged members to educate the public on how the proposed reforms could affect both their professions and the wider healthcare system.
The unions emphasised that their opposition is not against regulation itself but against efforts to consolidate authority in a way that could marginalise allied health professionals.
Protesters also intend to take their petition to the National Assembly, outlining their objections and suggested amendments. Union leaders warned they would continue to mobilise and engage lawmakers to ensure their concerns are addressed, highlighting the importance of inclusive policymaking for millions of Nigerians who rely on the nation’s healthcare services.
