The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria Bill, 2025, warning that it could undermine Nigeria’s indigenous food heritage.
The group endorsed the position of the Centre for African Policy Research and Advisory (CAfPRA), which opposes the bill sponsored by Hon. Chike John Okafor, representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency.
In a statement on Friday, HURIWA described the proposed legislation as a potentially excessive regulatory framework that could marginalise traditional nutritional knowledge and community-based food practices.
It called for the bill’s withdrawal pending broad consultations involving nutritionists, farmers, traditional knowledge holders, public health professionals, civil society organisations and affected communities.
HURIWA clarified that it did not oppose scientific nutrition, professional standards or reasonable regulation of qualified practitioners.
Rather, it warned against establishing a statutory council with sweeping powers without clear safeguards for indigenous knowledge and traditional food practices.
The group expressed concern over Sections 23, 27, 28 and 30, which prescribe penalties for certain forms of unapproved training, unregistered practice and the employment of unregistered persons.
It noted that Section 23 provides for a fine of up to ₦5 million or imprisonment for up to five years, or both, in specified cases involving unapproved training and certification.
HURIWA argued that unclear definitions of nutritional practice could create uncertainty and expose traditional knowledge transmission to disputes over regulatory boundaries.
It insisted that family food guidance and the passing down of inherited knowledge should be distinguished from regulated professional services.
The organisation also questioned provisions on international collaboration, foreign qualifications and external funding for the proposed council.
Citing Sections 3, 14, 17 and 32, HURIWA demanded transparency over consultations and any external interests involved in developing or promoting the bill.
It stressed that foreign cooperation or funding did not, by itself, establish wrongdoing, but called for safeguards against conflicts of interest.
The group further questioned the cost of establishing a new council with a governing board, registrar, offices, accreditation mechanisms, registration fees and disciplinary structures.
It urged lawmakers to assess whether existing institutions could address any regulatory gaps without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria’s food security challenges required investment in local agriculture, food processing, storage, biodiversity and affordable locally produced food.
It called for explicit legal protection for indigenous food knowledge, proportionate penalties, clearly defined regulatory boundaries and meaningful representation for farmers and traditional knowledge holders.
The association urged Okafor, the relevant National Assembly committee and legislative leadership to withdraw the bill and subject any future proposal to transparent public scrutiny.
“Food is not merely a technical subject for licensed practitioners. It is inseparable from culture, agriculture, livelihoods, public health, family life and national sovereignty,” HURIWA said.
The statement was signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on October 23, 2026.
HURIWA reiterated that professional regulation must protect public health without marginalising Nigeria’s cultural heritage or indigenous food systems.