Reps Stop Cooking Oil Ban Plan After Rural Producers Raise Alarm Over Livelihoods

The House of Representatives has stepped down a bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution and sale of unbranded and unfortified edible oils in Nigeria after lawmakers raised concerns over its possible impact on rural producers and existing regulatory frameworks.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Chike Okafor, representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, was designed to address concerns over public health risks associated with the consumption of cooking oils that do not meet approved fortification and quality standards.

Leading the debate on the proposed legislation, Okafor argued that mandatory fortification of edible oils would help tackle micronutrient deficiencies and improve food safety standards across the country.

The lawmaker cited concerns that a significant number of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only a portion of products available in the market meet required fortification standards, describing the situation as a public health challenge that requires urgent attention.

The proposed law sought to prohibit the production, importation, distribution and sale of unbranded and unfortified edible oils, while also introducing penalties for individuals and companies that violate the proposed regulations.

However, several lawmakers opposed the bill, arguing that agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) already have the legal mandate to regulate food products and ensure quality compliance.

Some lawmakers also warned that the proposed ban could negatively affect small scale palm oil producers, especially those in rural communities whose livelihoods depend on local production and informal markets.

Rep. Paschal Agbodike and other lawmakers cautioned that while protecting consumers was important, legislation should not unintentionally criminalise the activities of farmers and small businesses operating within local economies.

Other members argued that rather than creating a new law, the focus should be on strengthening existing institutions and improving enforcement of current food safety regulations.

Following the debate, the sponsor of the bill acknowledged the concerns raised and requested that the proposal be stepped down for further consultation and possible adjustment.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session, approved the request, thereby halting further consideration of the bill at that stage.

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