Stakeholders in Nigeria’s laboratory profession have called for stronger regulatory oversight and stricter enforcement of standards to safeguard diagnostic integrity and ensure compliance across public and private laboratories.

The call was made at the 26th election and swearing-in ceremony of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD) held in Yaba, where leaders emphasised the need to strengthen governance structures, deepen accountability and protect the credibility of laboratory practice.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Mr Kabiawu Adegboyega, stressed that laboratory directors occupy a strategic position in bridging policy and practice. He noted that their leadership directly influences quality assurance, professional development and patient-centred diagnosis.

He called for unwavering commitment to professionalism and adherence to regulatory standards, warning against practices that could undermine the reliability of laboratory results. Adegboyega urged stakeholders to uphold privacy, integrity and compliance with existing laws governing laboratory operations.

The AMLSN chairman also advocated for the expansion of accredited laboratories, proposing the establishment of as many as 5,000 facilities in Lagos to reinforce its status as a centre of excellence. He said such expansion must go hand in hand with capacity building, mentorship and strict enforcement of professional guidelines.

He reiterated the association’s readiness to collaborate with the leadership of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD) and other regulatory bodies to strengthen institutional cooperation. According to him, unity between public and private sector professionals remains essential to sustaining high diagnostic standards.

In his remarks, the outgoing Chairman of the GMLD, Mr Julius Adekoya, urged members to embrace innovation, sustainability and deeper advocacy. He called for increased participation in Tuberculosis programmes and External Quality Assurance (EQA) initiatives, as well as accelerated digitisation of association processes to enhance efficiency and transparency.

Adekoya noted that collaborations with key agencies such as the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) had strengthened the guild’s professional influence and institutional relevance.

The National Vice President of GMLD, Dr Onaneye Olumuyiwa, charged the newly elected executives to protect members’ interests and lead by example. He emphasised accountability, constructive feedback and proactive leadership as key pillars for sustaining professional growth.

Also speaking, the National Secretary General of GMLD, Dr AkujuObiIgwe, described the seamless transition of leadership as a reflection of mentorship, structure and egalitarian principles within the guild. He urged members to support the new executives, provide guidance and maintain unity to ensure institutional continuity.

In her acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman of GMLD, Mrs Mark Doris, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her team and pledged to advance policies that promote compliance, capacity development and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to members who had distinguished themselves in service and professional excellence, highlighting the guild’s commitment to recognising leadership, strengthening standards and advancing diagnostic integrity.