The House of Representatives on Wednesday postponed further consideration of a bill seeking to ban the production, importation, sale and consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils after lawmakers expressed divergent views on its implications for public health, regulatory oversight and the livelihoods of local producers.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Chike Okafor, who represents Ehime/Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, was listed for second reading but was stepped down after members raised concerns over both its content and the limited availability of copies to lawmakers.
Opening debate on the bill, Okafor argued that the measure was necessary to tackle health risks associated with the widespread use of unfortified cooking oils in Nigeria.
He noted that available data showed that approximately 67 per cent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only about 31 per cent of edible oils sold nationwide are fortified.
Referencing findings by the World Health Organisation (WHO), he said food fortification remains “a proven, cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.”
