FG warns public analysts against compromise, says integrity critical to public safety
The Federal Government has warned public analysts to uphold integrity and prioritize quality, stating that compromised laboratory results pose risks to public safety, regulatory decisions, and investment flows. The Minister
The Federal Government has warned public analysts to uphold integrity and prioritize quality, stating that compromised laboratory results pose risks to public safety, regulatory decisions, and investment flows.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, made the call during the weekend in Abuja at the induction ceremony of special professional members of the institute. He said public analysts must adhere strictly to evidence-based practice and avoid actions that could undermine standards.
“Say no to compromise, say no to bias, say no to negligence, and say no to assumption—but say yes to result-based, evidence-driven analysis,” he said.
Salako said the role of public analysts is central to regulatory systems, noting that laboratory outputs form the basis for decisions on food, drugs, water, cosmetics, and environmental safety.
“Through scientific analysis and evidence-based practices, public analysts provide the assurance that products consumed by Nigerians meet established standards and regulatory requirements,” he said.
The Minister, represented by the Director of Food and Drug Services, Dr. Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf, added that the increasing complexity of public health and industrial systems requires analysts to combine technical competence with leadership and strategic thinking.
“It highlights the need for professionals to embrace leadership, innovation and strategic thinking in addressing emerging challenges,” he said.
Salako said the newly inducted analysts passed a rigorous screening process and are expected to meet high professional standards.
“Your admission into this profession is a recognition of your competence and a call to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability,” he said.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory systems and laboratory capacity.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance laboratory capacity and promote adherence to national and international standards,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, said the responsibility attached to certification requires caution in professional judgments.
“You have become ambassadors of Nigeria in that profession because your signatures have become so extensive,” she said.
Represented by the National Cancer Control Program, Dr Uche Nwokwu, she warned that inaccurate certification could have wider consequences.
“If you sign off on things that are suboptimal, you are going to be a risk to the country. But if you sign off on something that is of quality, you will also be attracting investments to Nigeria,” she said.
Earlier, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), Aliyu Abdullahi, said 49 professionals were inducted from a pool of 102 applicants after a screening and training process designed to ensure competence.
He said the inductees, drawn from academia, public service and industry, are now part of a regulated system responsible for generating analytical results used in enforcement and policy decisions.
According to him, the institute regulates practitioners and laboratories, while agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control rely on certified analytical reports to act on products and manufacturers.
He clarified that IPAN’s mandate is limited to personnel and laboratory standards.
“We regulate the professionals and the laboratories. Other agencies regulate the products and production environments,” he said.
Abdullahi said inaccurate or falsified laboratory reports remain a concern, linking them to the activities of unqualified individuals.
“Some issue reports without conducting proper analysis. We take action against such practices when identified,” he said.
He added that only certified analysts operating in approved laboratories are authorised to issue reports with regulatory implications.
“The outcome of laboratory analysis can determine whether products are approved or rejected, and in some cases affect business operations and public safety,” he said.
Chairman of the institute’s 4th Governing Council, Dr. Dahiru Adamu, said weak adherence to quality standards remains a challenge across sectors.
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He cited deficiencies in laboratory systems and infrastructure, noting that poor analytical practices can affect outcomes in healthcare, including diagnosis and treatment.
“Laboratories are critical to objective decision-making because their outputs are based on measurable evidence,” he said, adding that inaccurate analysis can contribute to substandard products and ineffective treatment.
Adamu said analysts must maintain independence and resist external pressure.
“Their work should not be influenced by financial, political or personal considerations. Results must be based strictly on evidence,” he said.
Also speaking, former Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, said the induction marks the beginning of professional responsibility within a regulated framework.
He said members are expected to contribute to strengthening standards through consistent practice and adherence to ethical principles.
Keynote speaker and Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Ibrahim Ahmed, said laboratory outputs influence regulatory, legal, and commercial decisions, including product approval and withdrawal.
He identified integrity, transparency, competence, and accountability as essential requirements, warning that weak practice could worsen the prevalence of substandard products and reduce investor confidence.
Represented at the induction, Ene Daniel-Ebune, FPCPharm, the Head of Program Coordinating Department at the council, Ahmed added that laboratories must adopt quality systems, invest in personnel, and align scientific work with sustainable business practices to remain effective.
Ahmed stressed that improved laboratory standards and professional regulation are necessary to strengthen public health protection, regulatory enforcement, and consumer confidence across sectors.
