ABUJA – The Federal Government, Friday, inaugurated the Governing Boards/Councils for some of the regulatory bodies for institutions under the Federal Ministry of Health.
The appointments were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari recently in a statement made available by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Affected institutions are Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN); Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN); Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN); Institute of Chartered Chemist of Nigeria (ICCON); Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN); Dental Therapist Registration Board of Nigeria (DTHRBN).
Inaugurating the appointees, Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, said the appointments and inauguration were a demonstration of the commitment of Federal Government of Nigeria towards strengthening the health sector by ensuring transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility.
He urged the Boards and Councils to support the vision of President Buhari in in promoting “these core values.”
He charged the appointees: “It is also important for you all to be clear from the outset as to your role as chairperson and members of these Councils/Boards. This is clearly and adequately defined by the laws, rules, policies and guidelines elucidated in the Act setting up these organizations/institutions. You will all be given the appropriate copy to peruse and use to discharge your duties.
“Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, the main function of the Council/Boards is to provide oversight on the management to ensure smooth implementation of government policies, effective and efficient utilization of resources, the observance of extant laws and regulations as well as ensuring accountability of funds and high-level performance. It is very important that I emphasize to you, that Government will not want you to be directly involved in day-to-day administration of the Institutions. This function resides with the Registrars/Chief Executive.
“May I also add that in the discharge of your duties, your Council/Board must be mindful of the need for efficient management of scarce resources at all times. It is our expectation as government that you will strengthen the resource base of the institution, increase internally-generated revenue, quality of services and training.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I also advise that you familiarize yourself with the Public Service Rule, Procurement Act, enabling Act of your Council or Board, Fiscal Responsibility Act among others so that your act will not flaunt any law of the federation. Everything must be done in accordance with due process especially the procurement process where the Council/Boards will provide oversight, but members of the council/boards should not be directly involved.”
He went on: “In addition, let me also advise that recruitment of staff should also follow Due Process. Only established posts should be advertized and filled. The constitutional role of the Federal Character Commission must be respected and adhered to.
“The composition of the membership of the Council/Boards has been carefully done in conformity with the laws/Act setting up the Council/Boards. All the relevant professional bodies are represented as well as relevant ministries, departments and agencies. I am very confident that you will provide the necessary support and guidance to move the Council/Boards forward to the next level. It is also your duty to ensure that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is well utilized and accounted for according to extant regulations.
“You should consider yourselves privileged and honoured to be offered this opportunity to serve your fatherland in this capacity and contribute your own quota towards nation building.”
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Binta Bello, said the motive behind the appointments and inauguration was to provide all health institutions in the country the best standards of patient care in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Bello, who was represented by Director, Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr Wapada Balami, said the initiative was a journey with hopes for a better future. “We look forward to a fruitful cooperation from the Board and advocate for a renewed culture in making Ministry of Health a more viable institution.
“Though we have a long way to go, through joint efforts, we will be able to reach our fundamental goal of achieving health for all. In this sense, I consider this inauguration of council/board members as taking a transcendental role for the future o our nation,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the boards and councils, Dr Abosede Ofi, Chairman, NMCN, pledged that the boards and councils would ensure each of the organization meet the expectation of the Federal Government and work according to the Act setting them up.
A total of 95 persons were inaugurated for the boards and councils.
