Dietetics Institute Urges Rejection of Nutritionists Bill

The Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria (IDN) has called on the National Assembly to reject the proposed Nutritionists Registration Council Bill, identified as HB 2659. The IDN warns that the bill could lead to overlapping regulatory authorities, weaken professional standards, and expose Nigerians to inadequately trained nutrition practitioners.

The IDN supports the establishment of the Dietitians Council of Nigeria through the Dietitians Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2022, designated HB 515. National President Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed emphasized the need for a unified regulatory framework to protect patients and ensure qualified professionals manage sensitive clinical responsibilities.

The IDN highlighted that errors in clinical nutrition can lead to severe health consequences. They argue that creating two councils with overlapping authority would introduce uncertainty in the regulation of nutrition and dietetics, impose additional costs on educational institutions and healthcare providers, and create confusion regarding professional qualifications.