HURIWA Opposes Nutritionists Bill, Protects Food Heritage

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria Bill, 2025, which is sponsored by Hon. Chike John Okafor (Rep, Ehime Mbano/Ihiteuboma/Obowo), representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency. HURIWA, through its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, expressed that the bill poses a significant threat to Nigeria's indigenous food knowledge and traditional nutritional practices.

The organization criticized the bill for potentially establishing an overcentralized regulatory body that could marginalize community-based systems of learning. HURIWA emphasized the need for a transparent and inclusive national consultation involving various stakeholders, including nutrition experts and traditional knowledge holders, before any legislation is passed.

They argued that the bill fails to protect Nigeria's cultural heritage and traditional food practices, which have been developed over generations. HURIWA's stance aligns with the Centre for African Policy Research and Advisory's concerns regarding the bill's implications for indigenous knowledge systems.