The Abuja Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria Bill, 2025, sponsored by Hon. Chike John Okafor, pending an independent investigation into allegations of possible foreign interests behind efforts to advance the legislation.
The coalition, comprising three civil society platforms, said the allegations of possible involvement by interests in Europe and the United States remained independently unverified but warranted transparent investigation and public scrutiny.
It warned that the controversy surrounding the Bill extended beyond professional regulation, raising broader questions about Nigeria’s food sovereignty, indigenous agricultural heritage and the right of Nigerians to determine the future of their food systems.
The coalition therefore urged the National Assembly to suspend further consideration of the proposed legislation until its origins, funding, consultations and institutional relationships had been transparently examined.
FOOD SOVEREIGNTY AND NATIONAL INTEREST
The coalition expressed concern that establishing a powerful regulatory council without adequate safeguards could marginalise indigenous nutritional knowledge and create opportunities for commercial interests to influence Nigeria’s food and nutrition policies.
It noted that Nigeria’s adoption of genetically modified crops had generated public debate over biosafety, biodiversity, seed ownership and farmers’ independence. However, it stressed that these concerns did not, in themselves, establish foreign interference in the proposed Bill.
The coalition maintained that any connections between the Bill’s promoters and international biotechnology, agricultural or food industry interests should be disclosed and independently scrutinised.
“Who participated in drafting or promoting the Bill? Who funded or advised the process? What safeguards will prevent external or commercial interests from influencing the proposed Council?” the coalition asked.
It insisted that Nigerians deserved clear answers to these questions before the legislative process proceeded.
“Nigeria must not import its food priorities or surrender control of its indigenous food systems to undisclosed interests,” the coalition declared.
PROTECT INDIGENOUS FOOD KNOWLEDGE
The coalition also raised concerns about the potential implications of the Bill’s registration requirements and penalties for traditional and community-based nutritional knowledge.
It argued that unless the boundaries of regulated professional practice were clearly defined, the proposed framework could create uncertainty for practitioners and communities that preserve indigenous food traditions.
According to the coalition, generations of Nigerians have sustained valuable knowledge of indigenous crops, food preparation, fermentation and traditional diets, which should be subjected to appropriate scientific evaluation rather than indiscriminate exclusion or criminalisation.
It cautioned that professional regulation must not become a mechanism for monopolising knowledge that forms part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The coalition stressed that it supports evidence-based nutrition, public health safeguards and reasonable professional regulation but insisted that such objectives must respect cultural heritage, farmers’ livelihoods and the rights of local communities.
COALITION’S DEMANDS
The Abuja Coalition of Civil Society Organisations called for the following measures:
Immediate withdrawal of the Bill pending a comprehensive review and transparent public consultation.
An independent investigation into the allegations of foreign involvement, with the findings made available to the public.
Full disclosure of the Bill’s funding sources, consultations, advisers and institutional contributors.
Clear safeguards against conflicts of interest and undue external or commercial influence over Nigeria’s nutritional policies.
Legal protection for indigenous food knowledge, traditional practices and community-based learning.
Inclusive public consultation involving farmers, independent scientists, public health experts, consumers and civil society organisations before any renewed legislative consideration.
The coalition urged the National Assembly to ensure that any legislation governing nutritionists serves the public interest, protects consumers and promotes scientific standards without undermining indigenous knowledge or national food sovereignty.
It maintained that transparency, accountability and broad public participation were essential to building confidence in the proposed regulatory framework.
“Nigeria’s food sovereignty is not negotiable. Our indigenous food heritage must not be sacrificed to undisclosed commercial interests. Nigerians must retain the right to determine what they grow, produce and eat,” the coalition declared.
SIGNED:
Comrade Amina Mohammed
Leader, Abuja Coalition of Civil Society Organisations
Participating Organisations:
Transparency Initiative for Good Governance
African Centre for Cultural Rights
Good Governance and Civil Rights Institute
