Ethics and Value Community (EVC) has urged President Bola Tinubu not to discontinue the funding of professional bodies in the country.

The Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) had reportedly decided to discontinue funding of professional bodies.

Secretary General of EVC, Ridwan Temitope, in a letter dated July 24, 2023 through Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), George Akume, canvassed the waiving of the PCS decision by two years for medical and health-related agencies, but that implementation could start by 2026.

The letter states: “With utmost respect and sincerity, we write to express our deep concern regarding the circular, on social media, from the office of the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, over the discontinuation of budget allocation for professional bodies and councils effective 2024.

“As a registered civil rights organisation in the country agitating for the general interest of citizens’ rights, we canvass good governance, competency, transparency and accountability. We wish to bring to your attention the implication of this decision on our fellow citizens, who rely on the services and expertise of these health-related bodies.”

According to him, the professional bodies play crucial roles in regulating and enhancing the professional standards of various health sectors, and that their smooth functioning is essential for the growth and well-being of the country.

“It is crucial to recognise that these professional bodies and councils have been instrumental in ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of services provided by their respective members (professionals). In discontinuing their budgetary allocation, Nigeria risks compromising the foundation on which these agencies stand, leaving them ill-equipped to fulfil their responsibilities and obligations to the public and international community.

“One of the primary concerns is the potential burden on members of these professional bodies, who are primarily responsible for funding the operations of their respective councils. In the light of the current economic realities and recent subsidy removal, the impact on these individuals would be severe,” he said.

Temitope believes that the President’s attention to the issues he canvassed would not only alleviate the concerns of the members of these professional bodies, but also serve as a beacon of hope for the nation at its critical moment.