The House of Representatives on Thursday considered a bill seeking to establish the Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria.
The initiative is aimed at regulating the nutrition profession, eliminating quackery and strengthening the country’s response to malnutrition, food insecurity and other nutrition-related public health challenges.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by the member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Chike Okafor, scaled second reading during plenary.
Leading the debate, Okafor described the bill as “a necessary legislative response to a ticking time bomb of malnutrition and food insecurity” threatening Nigeria’s socio-economic development and the wellbeing of its citizens.
He said the proposed council would regulate, control and standardise the practice of nutrition in Nigeria while protecting members of the public from unqualified practitioners.
