The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards the establishment of the Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria, in a move aimed at regulating the nutrition profession, eliminating quackery and strengthening public health across the country.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Deacon Chike John Okafor, scaled second reading during plenary on Thursday, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, before it was referred to the House Committee on Food Security for further legislative action.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Okafor described the proposal as a timely intervention to address Nigeria’s worsening nutrition crisis, saying the absence of a regulatory framework has weakened professional standards and undermined efforts to tackle malnutrition.

“This Bill is not merely a piece of legislation; it is a necessary legislative response to a ticking time bomb of malnutrition and food insecurity that threatens our national development and the wellness of Nigerian citizens,” he said.

The lawmaker explained that the proposed council would operate as a self-funding regulatory body, insisting it would not increase the cost of governance or place any additional financial burden on the Federal Government.

Responding to concerns over funding during a question-and-answer session with journalists, Okafor said he has consistently advocated for self-sustaining professional bodies.

“It is self-funded. It is like the Nigerian Medical Association and the Nigerian Bar Association, which rely on members’ subscriptions and fees. It will not require government funding,” he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that the proposed legislation would conflict with the pending Dietitians Council Bill, stressing that both professions perform complementary but distinct functions within the healthcare system.

“It is not in competition with the Dietitians Council Bill. It is mutually reinforcing but clearly different disciplines. While dietitians provide clinical nutrition services for the treatment of diet-related diseases in hospitals, nutritionists focus on community and public health nutrition, maternal and child nutrition, food and nutrition policy, research and programme implementation,” he explained.

Okafor lamented that the title of “Nutritionist” is currently not protected under Nigerian law, leaving the profession vulnerable to unqualified practitioners.

“The title ‘Nutritionist’ is not legally protected in Nigeria. This has led to the ugly balkanisation of the profession, leaving it vulnerable to the invasion of quacks,” he said.

According to him, the proposed council would close the regulatory gap by establishing a licensing regime that ensures only qualified, competent and ethical professionals are allowed to practise.

“This Bill stands as an antidote to the ugly past. It establishes the Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria to regulate, control and standardise the practice of nutrition in Nigeria. It also provides for the registration and licensing of practitioners, ensuring that only qualified, competent and ethical professionals can practise,” he added.

The committee chairman expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating nutrition indices, citing findings from the 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey, which showed rising levels of child malnutrition, stunting and maternal anaemia despite significant investments in nutrition programmes, including the 232-million-dollar Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) initiative.

He argued that poor outcomes stem largely from weak regulation and the absence of professional oversight.
“There is a disconnect between accountability, resource allocation and successful policy implementation. The answer is simply the absence of a regulatory framework to professionalise the practice of nutrition and nutrition-related matters in Nigeria,” he stated.

The bill proposes the establishment of a public register for nutritionists and nutrition assistants, accreditation of training institutions, approval of academic curricula, licensing of practitioners, as well as the creation of an Investigating Panel and a Disciplinary Committee to enforce professional ethics and sanction misconduct.

Okafor said the council would work closely with federal and state health institutions, the National Universities Commission and international development partners to strengthen nutrition education, research and sustainable food systems.

Highlighting the broader public health implications of the legislation, he said effective regulation would ensure nutrition experts are properly deployed across hospitals, primary healthcare centres, schools and correctional facilities.

“By regulating the profession, we can ensure that the expertise of nutritionists is effectively utilised in our hospitals, primary health centres, correctional facilities and schools. We can foster an environment where adequate priority is given to the provision of essential foods that will boost the health of the citizenry,” he said.

He added that the legislation would also encourage the development and application of scientific and technological innovations in food systems and nutrition practice.

Appealing to lawmakers to support the bill, Okafor maintained that the proposed council would strengthen accountability in the sector and maximise the impact of government investments in nutrition.

“This Bill is a necessary instrument to professionalise the nutrition workforce, protect public health and ensure accountability and value for the massive investments in nutrition. It is about safeguarding our future by ensuring our people have access to the best possible advice on what to eat for optimum health,” he said.