The House of Representatives on Wednesday postponed further debate on the proposed edible oil bill after lawmakers expressed conflicting opinions over its potential impact on public health, rural livelihoods and existing regulatory frameworks.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Chike Okafor, representing Ehime/Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, was scheduled for second reading but was stepped down after members complained that copies had not been widely circulated and requested additional consultations.
Presenting the proposal, Okafor said the edible oil bill seeks to prohibit the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of unbranded and unfortified cooking oils across Nigeria. According to him, the legislation is intended to reduce public health risks associated with the widespread consumption of inadequately processed edible oils.
The lawmaker disclosed that about 67 per cent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only 31 per cent of edible oils available in the country are fortified. Referencing the World Health Organisation (WHO), Okafor said food fortification remains one of the most effective and affordable strategies for tackling micronutrient deficiencies and improving public health.
He added that the proposed legislation would also encourage collaboration between research institutions, universities and state ministries to improve seedlings and establish cooking oil processing mills through public-private partnerships. The bill further proposes penalties, including prison terms for violators, while allowing a transition period for producers and marketers to comply with the new standards.
“This is a matter of life and death. It is a call to protect the health of Nigerians,” Okafor said.
Several lawmakers opposed the edible oil bill, arguing that it could negatively affect thousands of small-scale palm oil producers operating in rural communities.
Rep. Paschal Agbodike, representing Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, warned that the proposed law could threaten the livelihoods of many local producers. He urged lawmakers to carefully consider the economic consequences before passing legislation that could affect rural businesses dependent on traditional palm oil production.
Other lawmakers argued that the objectives of the bill were already covered by existing regulatory agencies. Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, said the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) already possesses the legal authority to regulate edible oils and other food products.
He maintained that strengthening existing laws and improving oversight would be more effective than introducing new legislation. Rep. Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, also supported that position, saying NAFDAC’s statutory responsibilities already encompass the issues raised in the proposal.
Backing the edible oil bill, Rep. Sada Soli, representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State, argued that the legislation would complement existing regulatory measures rather than replace them. He said the proposal was designed to strengthen the current framework without targeting local palm oil producers.
During deliberations, Rep. Billy Osawaru, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency of Edo State, pointed out that many lawmakers had not received copies of the bill, making informed debate difficult.
Responding to the concerns, Okafor requested that the legislation be stepped down to allow wider circulation among members and further engagement with relevant stakeholders. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, granted the request and deferred further consideration of the edible oil bill to a later legislative date.
The proposal comes amid growing discussions on food safety and nutrition in Nigeria. Although mandatory food fortification programmes are already supervised by NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), concerns remain over the continued circulation of unbranded and informally processed edible oils in local markets.
