A bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of “unbranded and unfortified” edible oils in Nigeria has suffered a setback at the House of Representatives.
During Wednesday’s plenary, lawmakers argued that the provisions of the bill duplicate the statutory responsibilities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Chike Okafor (APC, Imo), was listed for second reading but was stepped down after widespread opposition from members.
THE BILL
Okafor said the bill was designed to address the growing public health risks posed by the widespread consumption of unbranded and unfortified cooking oils.
He said available statistics showed that 67 percent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only 31 percent of edible oils circulating in the country are fortified.
Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), the lawmaker said food
