Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
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, following a heated debate during the bill's second reading on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in which lawmakers questioned the need for new legislation when existing regulatory agencies already have the mandate to regulate food quality and safety.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Chike Okafor, a member representing Ehime/Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, was designed to address growing public health risks associated with the widespread consumption of unbranded and unfortified cooking oils across the country. Okafor told the House that available statistics indicated that about 67 per cent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only 31 per cent of edible oils circulating in the country are fortified. Citing a report by the World Health Organisation, the lawmaker said food fortification remains a proven, cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.
According to Okafor, the bill would 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. The proposed legislation also provided penalties, including terms of imprisonment for offenders, while allowing a transition period for existing producers and businesses to comply with the new requirements. "This is a matter of life and death. It is a call to protect the health of Nigerians," the lawmaker said.
However, opposition to the bill emerged from lawmakers across party lines, with many insisting that existing regulatory agencies already possess the legal powers to achieve its objectives. Pascal Agbodike, representing Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, warned that the bill could negatively affect rural livelihoods by preventing small-scale producers from selling locally processed edible oils that are not formally registered. "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.
Gaza Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, argued that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control already possesses the statutory powers to regulate 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. Ahmad Satomi of Borno State aligned with Gbefwi's position, saying NAFDAC and SON already regulate product quality and standards. Wale Raji of Lagos State also cautioned against what he described as the unnecessary proliferation of laws. "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," he said.
Yusuf Gagdi of Plateau State said although the bill addressed an important issue, its objectives fell squarely within NAFDAC's existing mandate. "The bill is good, but instead of creating another law with similar functions, we should harmonise its provisions by amending the existing legislation," he said. Akeem Adeyemi of Oyo State also opposed the proposal, describing it as an unnecessary duplication of NAFDAC's statutory functions. "If we continue this way, tomorrow someone will bring a bill on unbranded garri, then another on unbranded wheat. If there are deficiencies in the NAFDAC Act, then let us amend that law instead," Adeyemi said.
Ibe Osonwa of Abia State warned that the proposed legislation, particularly section 2, could criminalise the activities of small-scale palm oil producers in rural communities. He said many of his constituents depend on local palm kernel processing for their livelihoods and will lose their means of income if the bill becomes law. "This would prohibit my people from earning a living at this difficult time," he said.
Backing the proposed legislation, however, Sada Soli of Katsina State maintained that the bill complements rather than duplicates the responsibilities of NAFDAC. "The bill is mindful of NAFDAC. This legislation is trying to improve an existing framework, and this is not harmful," he said.
Following the debate, the House stepped down the bill for further legislative consideration. Several lawmakers noted that the bill was deferred partly due to the inadequate circulation of copies of the bill, making it difficult for members to properly scrutinise its provisions before debate. The decision to step down the bill means it will not proceed to the committee stage for now, though it could be reintroduced for consideration at a later date.
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