The House of Representatives has stepped down a bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution and sale of unbranded and unfortified edible oils in Nigeria.
The decision followed a debate on the bill’s second reading, during which lawmakers questioned the necessity of introducing new legislation when existing regulatory agencies already have the statutory mandate to oversee food quality and safety.
Leading the debate, the sponsor of the bill, Chike Okafor, said the proposed legislation was designed to protect Nigerians from the health risks associated with the consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils.
He explained that the bill would strengthen food fortification standards, promote local edible oil production through collaboration with research institutions and prescribe penalties for individuals and organisations that violate its provisions.
However, several lawmakers opposed the proposal, arguing that agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) already possess adequate legal powers to regulate edible oils.
Some members also expressed concern that the proposed legislation could have unintended consequences for small-scale local palm oil producers, many of whom operate in the informal sector.
Following the debate, the House resolved to step down the bill for further legislative consideration.
