Health workers protest bill in Abuja, opposing proposed reforms they say could undermine professional balance in Nigeria’s health sector

Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations have staged a protest at Unity Fountain in Abuja over a proposed health sector reform bill currently before the National Assembly.

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The demonstration, which drew healthcare professionals from across the country, reflects growing opposition to the legislation, with unions warning that it could significantly reshape the regulatory framework of the sector.

Participants in the health workers protest bill argued that the proposed law seeks to place all medical professions under the authority of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, a move they say would undermine existing professional councils.

The protesters maintained that each healthcare profession already operates under its own regulatory body and warned that centralising oversight could create structural imbalance and diminish the autonomy of other practitioners.

They further alleged that the bill could relegate non-physician health workers to a subordinate status, effectively making them “second-class” within the healthcare system.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the demonstrators expressed concern that the reforms, if passed in their current form, would disrupt collaboration across the sector and negatively affect service delivery.

Union leaders said the protest would extend to the National Assembly complex, where they intend to formally present their grievances to lawmakers and push for a reconsideration of the proposed legislation.

The protest follows earlier notice by the unions of a planned nationwide demonstration against the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026, signalling escalating tensions between healthcare professionals and policymakers.

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Observers say the outcome of the dispute could have far-reaching implications for the structure, governance and efficiency of Nigeria’s healthcare system.