A Health Systems and Human Resources expert has warned that gaps in policy enforcement are undermining professionalism in Nigeria’s healthcare sector and putting patient safety at risk.
Mrs. Rachel Adegbe, Human Resources Assistant Director at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), told National Record that the integrity and commitment of the health workforce are critical as Nigeria shifts its focus from stabilization to expansion.
“Without systems in place, it is difficult to hold people accountable,” she said. “There must be policies and standard operating procedures for every aspect of care, including clear disciplinary actions for infractions.”
She noted that many organisations fail to communicate policies effectively to staff. Recounting from her experience, she said that at one government organisation, a policy manual was discovered tucked away in a director’s drawer, with staff unaware of its existence. “Waiting until a mistake happens before enforcing rules is the wrong approach,” Mrs. Adegbe said. “Orientation should start from the base, and employees must know what is expected of them.”
Highlighting the role of ongoing guidance, she added that communication and continuous education are essential to instill professionalism. “Reinforcing correct behavior through training, reminders, and signage helps staff internalize standards of ethical conduct and excellence,” she explained. “It is like training bank tellers to recognize genuine currency so they can immediately spot fakes.”
Mrs. Adegbe warned that disciplinary measures must be clear, consistently enforced, and backed by accountability mechanisms. Failing to do so, she said, allows poor behaviour to become normalised, eroding organisational culture and putting patient care at risk. She concluded that combining proactive training with prompt corrective action ensures healthcare workers understand both the standards expected and the consequences of noncompliance.
