The House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, stepped down a bill aimed at prohibiting the production, importation, distribution, sale, and consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils in Nigeria. This decision followed extensive debate among lawmakers regarding its potential impact on public health, existing regulatory frameworks, and rural livelihoods.
Sponsored by Chike Okafor, the member representing Ehime/Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, the proposed legislation was presented for its second reading. However, it was deferred after members voiced concerns over its provisions and the inadequate circulation of copies of the bill.
Leading the debate, Okafor highlighted that the bill sought to address growing public health risks associated with the widespread consumption of unbranded and unfortified cooking oils. He cited available statistics indicating that approximately 67 per cent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only 31 per cent of edible oils in the country are fortified.
Okafor referenced a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, stating that food fortification is “a proven, cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.” The bill aimed to 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 for penalties, including terms of imprisonment for offenders, and allowed a transition period for existing producers and businesses to comply with the new requirements. Okafor emphasized, “This is a matter of life and death. It is a call to protect the health of Nigerians.”
However, significant opposition emerged during the debate. Paschal Agbodike, representing Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, urged caution, arguing that the bill could threaten the livelihoods of local palm oil producers. He stated, “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.”
Gaza Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, also opposed the bill, arguing that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) already possesses the statutory powers to regulate edible oils and other food products. He suggested strengthening existing laws and oversight rather than creating new ones, noting that amendments could be made to the Acts establishing NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) if there were gaps.
Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, supported this position, cautioning against the unnecessary proliferation of laws. He reiterated that NAFDAC’s mandate already covers what the bill aimed to achieve.
Conversely, Sada Soli, representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, maintained that the bill would complement, rather than duplicate, NAFDAC’s responsibilities. He argued that the legislation sought to improve an existing framework and was not against local palm oil production.
As the debate continued, Billy Osawaru, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency of Edo State, observed that many lawmakers had not received copies of the bill, hindering their ability to make informed contributions. Following these interventions, Okafor appealed to the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, to step down the bill until another legislative day to allow for wider circulation and further consultations. The Deputy Speaker granted the request.
The proposed legislation arises amid growing concerns over food safety and nutrition in Nigeria. Health experts have consistently advocated for the fortification of staple foods, including edible oils, with essential micronutrients like vitamin A to combat nutritional deficiencies, particularly among children and pregnant women. Nigeria currently operates mandatory food fortification programmes for selected food products, with NAFDAC and SON responsible for regulating food quality, safety standards, and compliance. However, the prevalence of unbranded and informally processed edible oils, especially in open markets, continues to fuel debate over the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures and the need for stronger enforcement.
