The Federal Government has directed Idris Garba, the newly appointed Registrar of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), to accelerate the digital transformation of the radiography profession as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare regulation and eliminate quackery.
The directive was issued by Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during the presentation of Garba’s appointment letter in Abuja.
The adoption of digital systems, according to the Minister, will enable regulators to track radiographers practising both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, while helping authorities clearly distinguish between licensed professionals and unregistered practitioners.
Salako emphasised that digitalisation would play a critical role in improving transparency, strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring that only duly licensed professionals operate within Nigeria’s medical imaging ecosystem.
“Digitalising the profession is imperative considering its critical role in healthcare delivery. The initiative will provide an easy means of identifying radiographers practising within and outside the country, as well as distinguishing between registered and unlicensed practitioners,” the Minister said.
He added that professional ethics in the sector must not be compromised and urged the new registrar to prioritise the elimination of quackery in radiographic practice.
Salako also tasked Garba with deploying all necessary resources to flush out illegal practitioners and strengthen the integrity of the profession.
Responding, Garba said he plans to leverage digital systems and data infrastructure to modernise the board’s regulatory framework and improve oversight of radiography practices nationwide.
“With just a simple click of a mouse, you should be able to track activities taking place within the country and beyond. I will strengthen the institution, including our regional offices, to ensure everyone performs their responsibilities effectively so we can move the profession forward,” Garba said.
He acknowledged that quackery remains a major challenge in the sector and said data-driven regulation would be central to addressing the problem.
According to him, the first step will be to establish a comprehensive database of radiographers practising in Nigeria, which will enable regulators to monitor professionals more effectively.
Garba said the board would begin by reviewing any existing records and, where necessary, develop a new digital registry to capture all radiographers practising across the country.
The Minister also noted that medical centres are increasingly being equipped with modern technology to ensure that qualified personnel are available to manage operations, adding that professional activities must align with current standards and best practices.
Salako further commended the selection panel for conducting a rigorous and transparent recruitment process that led to Garba’s appointment, expressing confidence that the new registrar would strengthen regulation and advance the radiography profession in Nigeria.
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