The House of Representatives on Wednesday deferred further consideration of a bill seeking to outlaw the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils after lawmakers expressed divergent views over its implications for public health, existing regulations and the livelihoods of local producers.
The bill, sponsored by the member representing Ehime/Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, Chike Okafor, was slated for second reading but was stepped down following calls for wider consultations and better circulation of copies among members.
Presenting the proposed legislation, Okafor said it was intended to tackle health risks associated with the widespread consumption of unbranded cooking oils, which he said account for a significant share of the products consumed in Nigeria.
He told lawmakers that available data showed about 67 per cent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only 31 per cent of edible oils in circulation are fortified.
The lawmaker cited the World Health Organisation as identifying food fortification as an effective and cost-efficient strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiencies and improving public health.
According to him, the bill seeks to prohibit the production, importation, distribution and sale of unbranded and unfortified edible oils, while encouraging collaboration among research institutions, universities and state ministries to improve oilseed varieties and establish processing facilities through public-private partnerships.
He added that the proposed law provides a transition period to allow producers to comply with its provisions and prescribes penalties, including prison terms, for violators.
Describing the proposal as a public health intervention, Okafor said, “This is a matter of life and death. It is a call to protect the health of Nigerians.”
The proposal, however, drew opposition from some lawmakers, who argued that it could negatively affect thousands of small-scale palm oil producers across rural communities.
Paschal Agbodike, who represents Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, warned that the legislation could undermine the means of livelihood of local producers.
He urged the House to carefully consider the economic consequences of the bill, noting that many residents of his constituency depend on traditional palm oil production for their income.
Also opposing the bill, Gaza Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, argued that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control already has the legal authority to regulate edible oils and other food products.
He said rather than creating additional legislation, the National Assembly should strengthen existing laws and oversight functions, adding that any deficiencies in the laws establishing NAFDAC or the Standards Organisation of Nigeria could be addressed through amendments.
His position was echoed by Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, who cautioned against enacting laws that duplicate the responsibilities of existing regulatory agencies.
However, Sada Soli, the member representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, defended the bill, arguing that it complements the work of NAFDAC instead of replacing or duplicating it.
According to him, the legislation is intended to strengthen the existing regulatory framework and does not seek to prohibit local palm oil production.
During the debate, Billy Osawaru, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency of Edo State, observed that many members had not received copies of the bill, making it difficult for them to properly examine its provisions before contributing to the debate.
Following the concerns raised, the sponsor appealed to the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, to step down the bill to allow members more time to study it and enable further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The Deputy Speaker subsequently granted the request.
The proposed legislation comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to improve food safety and nutrition in Nigeria. Health experts have continued to advocate the fortification of staple foods, including edible oils, with essential nutrients such as vitamin A to reduce micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among children and pregnant women.
Although Nigeria operates mandatory fortification programmes for selected food products, while NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria are responsible for enforcing food quality and safety standards, concerns persist over the widespread sale and consumption of unbranded edible oils in informal markets across the country.