FG Charges New RRBN Registrar To Digitalise Profession, Tackle Quackery
The Federal Government has tasked the newly appointed Registrar of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), Dr. Idris Garba, to digitalise the profession and intensify efforts to eliminate quackery in radiographic practice across the country.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the charge while presenting the letter of appointment to Dr. Garba in Abuja.
Salako stressed that digitalising the profession is critical to strengthening healthcare delivery, noting that a comprehensive digital system would make it easier to identify radiographers practicing both within and outside Nigeria, as well as distinguish licensed professionals from unregistered practitioners.
According to him, strict enforcement of professional ethics and standards will be key in addressing the challenge of quackery in the field.
“Your ethical conduct and the way you enforce the ethics of the profession are very important. We want you to take the issue of quackery very seriously and deploy the necessary resources to flush out unlicensed practitioners from radiographic practice in the country,” the minister said.
The minister also commended members of the selection panel for conducting a rigorous and transparent process that led to the appointment of Dr. Garba.
He expressed confidence that the new registrar would leverage his experience to strengthen the Board and contribute to the broader development of Nigeria’s health sector.
Salako further advised him to sustain the achievements of his predecessor while fostering a harmonious relationship between the regulatory board and professional associations, warning against actions that could hinder the progress of the institution.
Responding, Dr. Idris Garba, a scholar from Bayero University Kano, expressed appreciation for the appointment and pledged to operate an open-door policy aimed at strengthening the Board’s operations.
He said his administration would prioritise digital transformation, particularly the creation of a comprehensive database to track radiographers and monitor facilities using radiographic equipment across the country.
“With just a simple click, it should be possible to track activities within the country and beyond. We will strengthen the institution, including regional offices, to ensure everyone performs their duties effectively,” he said.
Garba noted that quackery remains a major challenge, adding that establishing a reliable database would be the first step toward effectively addressing the problem.
“When you have data, you can properly track and manage the problem. My first assignment is to work with the database available in the system. If none exists, we will create one to ensure we know all radiographers practicing in the country,” he said.
He also pledged to ensure that only qualified and licensed professionals operate radiographic equipment, while promoting collaboration between the regulatory body and professional associations.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Adeola Adegoke, commended the minister for his commitment to ensuring a transparent appointment process.
She described the minister’s leadership as visionary and transformative, noting that it has strengthened institutional processes within the ministry.
