Reps suspend consideration of bill to outlaw unlabelled cooking oils

The House of Representatives on Wednesday postponed further consideration of a bill seeking to ban the production, importation, sale and consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils after lawmakers expressed divergent views on its implications for public health, regulatory oversight and the livelihoods of local producers.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Chike Okafor, who represents Ehime/Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, was listed for second reading but was stepped down after members raised concerns over both its content and the limited availability of copies to lawmakers.

Opening debate on the bill, Okafor argued that the measure was necessary to tackle health risks associated with the widespread use of unfortified cooking oils in Nigeria.

He noted that available data showed that approximately 67 per cent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only about 31 per cent of edible oils sold nationwide are fortified.

Referencing findings by the World Health Organisation (WHO), he said food fortification remains “a proven, cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.”

According to the lawmaker, the bill seeks to prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of edible oils that are neither fortified nor properly branded, while encouraging partnerships among research institutions, universities and state governments to improve seed varieties and expand processing capacity through public-private collaboration.

“The bill prohibit 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.”

Okafor explained that the legislation also provides sanctions, including jail terms for violators, while granting producers and marketers a transition period to comply with the proposed standards.

“This is a matter of life and death. It is a call to protect the health of Nigerians,” he said.

However, several lawmakers questioned the necessity and potential consequences of the bill.

Paschal Agbodike, who represents Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, warned that the legislation could negatively affect thousands of rural dwellers who depend on local palm oil production for survival.

“This bill is not okay. Many of my people are into 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.

Also opposing the proposal, Gaza Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, argued that existing regulatory agencies already possess the authority to oversee food quality standards.

“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.

Wale Raji, the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, shared similar concerns, insisting that the responsibilities outlined in the bill already fall within the mandate of existing regulators.

“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.”

In support of the legislation, Sada Soli of Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency in Katsina State maintained that the proposal was intended to strengthen current regulatory measures rather than duplicate them.

“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.

As deliberations continued, Billy Osawaru, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency of Edo State, pointed out that many members had not received copies of the bill, making meaningful scrutiny difficult.

He argued that lawmakers should have access to the document before debating its provisions.

Following the concerns raised, Okafor requested that the bill be stepped down to allow wider circulation among members and further engagement with stakeholders.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, granted the request and deferred further consideration of the bill to a later date.

The proposed legislation comes amid ongoing debates over food safety, nutrition and the effectiveness of existing regulatory mechanisms. While health experts continue to advocate stronger food fortification policies to address micronutrient deficiencies, concerns remain over how such measures could affect small-scale producers operating within Nigeria’s informal economy.