By Taiwo Scholarstica
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.
The decision followed a lengthy debate among lawmakers, who raised concerns about the possible effects of the proposed legislation on public health, existing regulatory agencies and the livelihoods of small-scale producers in rural communities.
The bill, sponsored by the member representing Ehime/Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, Chike Okafor, was presented for second reading during plenary.
However, lawmakers deferred further consideration of the legislation after members expressed reservations about some of its provisions and complained that copies of the bill had not been adequately circulated.
Leading the debate, Okafor said the proposed law was aimed at tackling health concerns linked to the widespread consumption of unbranded and unfortified cooking oils in the country.
He said available data showed that about 67 per cent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only 31 per cent of edible oils available in the country are fortified.
Citing a report by the World Health Organisation, Okafor said food fortification remained “a proven, cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.”
According to him, “the bill prohibits the production, importation, distribution and sale of unfortified and unbranded edible oils, while also mandating collaboration among research institutes, universities and state ministries to improve seedlings and establish cooking oil processing mills through public-private partnerships.”
The lawmaker said the bill also proposed penalties, including imprisonment for offenders, while providing a transition period for existing producers and businesses to meet the new standards.
“This is a matter of life and death. It is a call to protect the health of Nigerians,” he said.
However, several lawmakers opposed the proposal, warning that its implementation could affect small-scale producers and rural communities that depend heavily on local palm oil production for their livelihoods.
The member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Paschal Agbodike, urged caution, saying the bill could negatively affect local producers.
“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,” he said.
Similarly, the member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, Gaza Gbefwi, questioned the need for a new law, noting that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control already has regulatory powers over edible oils and other food products.
“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,” he said.
The member representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Wale Raji, also supported the argument, warning against creating unnecessary additional laws.
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.”
However, the member representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, Sada Soli, defended the proposed legislation, saying it would strengthen rather than duplicate the functions of NAFDAC.
“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 said.
During the debate, the member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency of Edo State, Billy Osawaru, noted that some lawmakers had not received copies of the bill.
He said members would not be able to properly debate the proposed legislation without having access to its full provisions.
Following the concerns raised, Okafor appealed to the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the sitting, to step down consideration of the bill until another legislative day.
He said the additional time would allow members to study the proposal and enable further consultations to address the issues raised during the debate.
The Deputy Speaker granted the request.
The proposed legislation comes amid continued concerns about food safety and nutrition in Nigeria, with health experts advocating the fortification of staple food products, including edible oils, with essential micronutrients such as vitamin A.
The measure is aimed at tackling nutritional deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
Nigeria currently has mandatory food fortification programmes covering selected food products, while NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria are responsible for regulating food safety, quality standards and compliance.
However, the continued sale of unbranded and informally processed edible oils, particularly in open markets, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures and the need to improve enforcement.