The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN) has strongly opposed the proposed Dental Practitioners Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026 (HB 2695), warning that its passage could destabilise Nigeria’s healthcare system and undermine the professional autonomy of radiographers.

The position was made known by the National President of the association, Musa Y. Dambele PhD, during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Kano on Saturday.

Addressing journalists, Dambele described the bill as a “calculated and existential threat” to radiography practice in Nigeria, alleging that it is designed to transfer regulatory authority from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

Dambele highlighted Section 8(1) of the proposed bill, which contains a “notwithstanding clause” granting the MDCN overriding authority over other regulatory bodies.

According to him, the provision directly conflicts with the Radiographers (Registration, etc.) Act, Cap R1, LFN 2004, effectively stripping the RRBN of its statutory mandate.

“The clause is designed to create jurisdictional supremacy and dismantle the existing regulatory structure governing radiography in Nigeria,” he stated.

The ARN President also faulted Section 47 of the bill, which defines radiology as encompassing all aspects of diagnostic imaging.

He argued that such classification amounts to a deliberate attempt to subsume radiography under medicine, stressing that radiography is a distinct scientific discipline involving imaging technology, radiation physics, and patient safety.

He warned that the provision could lead to the “legal erasure” of radiography as an independent profession and place practitioners under the control of a council lacking relevant expertise.

Dambele further raised concerns over Section 8(1)(k), which empowers the MDCN to regulate the use of ultrasound, laser systems, and radiofrequency-based devices.

He maintained that these technologies are core components of radiographic practice and are not exclusive to any single profession.

He cautioned that restricting access to such tools could create workforce shortages, limit specialised services, and reduce patients’ access to essential diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

On disciplinary matters, the ARN President criticised Sections 30 to 32 of the bill, which propose tribunals composed entirely of medical and dental practitioners to adjudicate cases involving all registered health professionals.

He argued that this arrangement violates the constitutional right to fair hearing, noting that professionals cannot be judged impartially by competing disciplines.

Dambele also opposed Section 18(3), which mandates that a significant percentage of professional fees be shared with external bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association.

He described the provision as “financial exploitation” and a form of regulatory overreach.

The ARN President further alleged that the proposed legislation, alongside HB 2699, represents a coordinated attempt to weaken radiography through what he described as a “pincer movement.”

According to him, while HB 2695 seeks to erode internal regulatory control, HB 2699 aims to impose external constraints that could cripple the profession.

Dambele expressed concern over provisions that expand the powers of the Minister of Health to influence the composition and leadership of regulatory boards, warning that such measures could politicise professional regulation.

He also criticised attempts to dilute the authority of the RRBN in appointing its Registrar, describing it as an erosion of institutional independence.

Furthermore, he opposed the inclusion of loosely defined “community interest” representatives in regulatory boards, arguing that healthcare regulation should remain technical, evidence-based, and competence-driven.

Citing global best practices, Dambele noted that in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, healthcare professions are regulated independently to ensure accountability and professional competence.

He warned that adopting contrary measures in Nigeria could set a dangerous precedent, trigger inter-professional conflicts, and weaken healthcare delivery systems.

The ARN, he added, aligns with other health sector stakeholders, including the Joint Health Sector Unions, as well as professional bodies in medical laboratory science and physiotherapy, in opposing the bill.

Dambele said the association is calling on the National Assembly to:

Reject the bill in its current form

Uphold the principle of professional self-regulation

Remove provisions enabling external control and dominance

Retain the statutory powers of the RRBN, particularly in appointing its Registrar

Convene a stakeholders’ summit to develop a harmonised regulatory framework in line with international standards

The ARN President emphasised that radiographers play a critical role in delivering diagnostic and therapeutic services, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine.

He warned that any attempt to centralise control under a single profession could compromise patient safety and reduce the quality of healthcare delivery.

Dambele reiterated the association’s commitment to defending the integrity of the profession and called on Nigerians to support efforts aimed at preserving a balanced and effective healthcare system.