House of Reps Calls for Stricter Food Safety Laws

The House of Representatives has urged for tougher food safety laws and stricter enforcement to safeguard Nigerians from toxic chemicals and adulterated food. This call was made by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security during a media briefing in Abuja, commemorating the 2026 World Food Day.

The committee, represented by its clerk, Dr Agenti Milicent Millicent, and chaired by Chike Okafor, highlighted that existing policies have not effectively addressed the country's nutrition challenges. They stressed the necessity for enforceable legislation to ensure that all Nigerians have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.

The committee expressed concerns over malnutrition, stunting, and unsafe food production practices, warning that these could exacerbate public health issues. They are working on a bill to establish the Nutritionist Registration Council of Nigeria and are advancing a National Nutrition Bill sponsored by the Presidency.

Additionally, they are investigating the misuse of agricultural intervention funds and the chemicals used in food production.