The House of Representatives has begun considering a bill seeking to establish the Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria, with lawmakers saying a formal regulatory framework could strengthen professional standards, improve nutrition services and protect Nigerians from harmful or misleading dietary advice.
The proposed legislation was examined at a public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, where lawmakers and stakeholders discussed the need for clearer standards and accountability in nutrition practice.
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the establishment of a Standing Committee on Nutrition and Food Security reflected the importance of nutrition to public health, education, healthcare expenditure and national productivity.
He urged stakeholders to make evidence-based contributions to the legislative process, stressing that the proposed law must address an identifiable need and establish workable institutions capable of delivering results.
“I urge all stakeholders to approach this hearing with candour, technical rigour and a shared commitment to national interest. Parliament must legislate with ambition, but also with prudence. A sound law must address a demonstrable need, establish workable institutions and provide a credible pathway from legislative intent to effective implementation,” Abbas said.
The Speaker said the success of the bill should be measured by its impact on professional competence and the quality of nutrition services available to Nigerians, rather than simply by the creation of another regulatory institution.
“Ultimately, the measure of this bill will not be the creation of another institution but whether it strengthens professional competence, protects Nigerians from harmful or misleading advice and improves the quality of nutrition services available to the public.
“By getting the regulatory framework right, we can strengthen preventive healthcare, reduce avoidable health burdens and contribute to the development of a healthier and more productive population,” the Speaker added.
The proposed council is intended to provide a formal framework for regulating nutrition practice, although its specific responsibilities and powers will depend on the provisions ultimately approved by the National Assembly.
The bill comes amid growing recognition of nutrition as an important component of preventive healthcare, disease management and general well-being. Reliable nutrition guidance can help people make informed dietary choices, while misleading or scientifically unsupported advice may expose them to unnecessary health risks.
Abbas commended the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, chaired by Chike Okafor, and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria for their contributions to the proposed legislation.
Earlier, Okafor described the public hearing as an opportunity for citizens, professional bodies, health practitioners and other stakeholders to present evidence and express their views before the bill proceeds to the next stage of legislative consideration.
He said the committee had not predetermined its position and would consider submissions both in support of and against the proposed law before making recommendations to the House.
“As a committee, we have no bias or already decided opinion, but we will collate all opinions canvassed by you today, either for or against, before making our recommendation to the general House in plenary for consideration,” he said.
Okafor urged participants to regard their contributions as part of the lawmaking process and an opportunity to advance national development.
“I therefore plead with each speaker to see his or her role today as a contribution to lawmaking and national development.
“We aim for good laws, having known the consequences of bad ones,” he added.
The committee chairman also praised Abbas for supporting the establishment of the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, describing it as a significant development in the history of the National Assembly. He said the Speaker’s presence at the hearing underscored the importance attached to nutrition and food security by the House leadership.
The public hearing provided an opportunity for professional associations, nutrition practitioners, health experts and other stakeholders to examine the proposed council’s mandate and offer recommendations on the framework required to regulate the profession.
The committee is expected to consider the submissions received before making recommendations to the House for further legislative action.
