By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The House of Representatives on Wednesday stepped down a bill seeking to ban the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils in Nigeria during plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja. Lawmakers deferred the bill after raising concerns about its impact on public health, rural livelihoods, existing regulatory laws and the inadequate circulation of copies to members before debate.
Bill Seeks to Improve Food Safety
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Chike Okafor, who represents Ehime/Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, reached the House for second reading.
While leading the debate, Okafor said the bill aims to tackle the growing health risks linked to unbranded and unfortified cooking oils.
He revealed that about 67 percent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils. He also noted that only 31 percent of edible oils sold across the country are fortified.
Citing a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Okafor said food fortification remains a proven and cost-effective way to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.
According to him, the bill will prohibit the production, importation, distribution and sale of unfortified and unbranded edible oils.
He added that the legislation will encourage collaboration among research institutes, universities and state ministries. The partnership will improve seedlings and establish cooking oil processing mills through public-private partnerships.
Okafor also explained that the bill prescribes penalties, including prison terms for offenders. However, it provides a transition period for producers and businesses to meet the new standards.
Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Existing Laws
Despite the public health objectives, several lawmakers questioned the need for a new law.
A lawmaker argued that Nigeria should strengthen existing regulations instead of creating another law.
“I do not think we need to over-legislate. Instead of trying to overdo things, we should strengthen existing laws and oversight. We already have NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. If there are gaps in the Acts establishing these agencies, we can call for amendments.”
Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, supported that position.
He warned against the unnecessary proliferation of laws.
Similarly, Gaza Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, argued that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) already has the legal authority to regulate edible oils and other food products.
According to him:
“NAFDAC is already regulating food and drugs. Let us look at the laws establishing NAFDAC, because their mandate already covers what this bill is trying to achieve.”
Supporters Say Bill Strengthens Existing Framework
However, supporters insisted that the legislation complements existing laws.
Sada Soli, representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, defended the proposal.
He said the bill seeks to improve the current regulatory framework rather than duplicate NAFDAC’s responsibilities.
“The bill is mindful of NAFDAC. This legislation is trying to improve an existing framework, and this is not harmful. This bill is not against the local production of palm oil.”
He stressed that the proposal focuses on protecting the health of Nigerians.
“This is a matter of life and death. It is a call to protect the health of Nigerians.”
Rural Livelihoods Become Major Concern
Several lawmakers opposed the bill because they feared it could hurt small-scale palm oil producers.
Paschal Agbodike, representing Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, urged the House to exercise caution.
He warned that many rural families depend on local palm oil production for their income.
“This bill is not okay. Many of my people are into the production of palm oil locally. We must be careful about the laws we are trying to make because the livelihood of people in the rural areas, like my people, is very important.”
Debate Ends With Bill Stepped Down
As the debate continued, Billy Osawaru, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency of Edo State, noted that many lawmakers had not received copies of the bill.
He argued that members could not properly debate legislation without studying its provisions.
Following the concerns, Okafor appealed to the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, to step down the bill. He requested more time for wider circulation and consultations.
The Deputy Speaker granted the request, postponing further consideration to another legislative day.
Food Fortification Debate Continues
The proposed legislation comes amid growing concerns over food safety and nutrition in Nigeria.
Health experts continue to advocate the fortification of staple foods, including edible oils, with vitamin A and other essential micronutrients. They believe the measure will reduce nutritional deficiencies, especially among children and pregnant women.
Nigeria already enforces mandatory food fortification programmes for selected food products. NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria regulate food quality, safety standards and compliance.
However, the widespread sale of unbranded and informally processed edible oils in open markets continues to raise concerns about enforcement and consumer safety.
