On Thursday, the House of Representatives began deliberations on a bill to create the Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria. The legislation aims to formalize the nutrition sector, combat unauthorized practitioners, and improve the nation’s strategy against food insecurity and malnutrition. Rep. Chike Okafor, who introduced the bill, warned that malnutrition is a growing crisis that undermines national development.
Okafor highlighted that the term ‘nutritionist’ lacks legal protection in Nigeria, leaving the field vulnerable to unqualified individuals. He clarified that this council would establish standards and distinguish nutritionists—who focus on public health, research, and community programs—from dietitians, who manage clinical disease treatment in hospital settings. The two professions are intended to work in tandem rather than in conflict.
Despite significant financial investments in initiatives like the ANRiN program, Nigeria continues to face high rates of maternal anemia and child stunting. Okafor argued that this failure stems from a lack of regulatory oversight. The proposed council intends to issue licenses, manage a public register of professionals, and enforce disciplinary measures to ensure accountability.
The legislator emphasized that the council would operate as a self-funded entity. By professionalizing the workforce, the government hopes to ensure that experts are properly deployed across healthcare centers, schools, and correctional facilities, ultimately maximizing the impact of nutritional resources on public health.
