The House of Representatives has halted further consideration of a bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution and sale of unbranded and unfortified edible oils in Nigeria.

Lawmakers took the decision on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, after debating the bill at its second-reading stage and questioning whether new legislation was necessary when existing regulatory bodies already have the authority to oversee food safety and quality.

The bill’s sponsor, Chike Okafor, said the proposed legislation was designed to protect Nigerians from the health risks associated with the consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils.

According to him, the bill would promote food fortification, strengthen local edible oil production through collaboration with research institutions and introduce penalties for violations.

However, several lawmakers argued that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) already possess the legal powers needed to regulate edible oils.

Other lawmakers expressed concern that the proposed legislation could have a negative impact on small-scale local palm oil producers.

Following the debate, the House stepped down the bill for further legislative consideration.