Nigeria Needs a Nutritionists Registration Council Now!

Nigeria's nutrition crisis demands more than policies; it demands effective implementation, professional accountability, and strong legal regulation. Despite existing frameworks such as the National Policy on Food and Nutrition, malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge. The Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria Bill (HB 2659) offers an opportunity to bridge the gap between policy and practice by establishing a dedicated regulatory body to strengthen coordination, enforce professional standards, and advance national nutrition goals. Nigeria cannot afford to leave its nutrition priorities without clear regulatory oversight and accountability.

1. Protecting Nigerians Starts with Regulating Nutrition Practice.

 The growing presence of unqualified individuals offering nutrition advice threatens public safety and undermines the credibility of qualified professionals. Without legal protection for the title of Nutritionist, Nigerians remain vulnerable to misinformation and potentially harmful dietary practices. The proposed Council would establish clear standards for professional registration, ethical conduct, continuing education, and accountability. By defining professional responsibilities and encouraging constructive collaboration between nutritionists and dietitians, the bill can help build a competent, coordinated workforce capable of meeting Nigeria's diverse nutrition needs.

2. Recognise the Profession. Strengthen the Workforce. Improve Public Health.

 HB 2659 would provide a legal foundation for the recognition and regulation of nutritionists, create clearer career development pathways, support specialist training, and promote continuous professional development. More importantly, it would help ensure that nutrition services are delivered by appropriately qualified professionals across communities and all levels of healthcare. A regulated nutrition workforce is essential to strengthening disease prevention, improving maternal and child nutrition, supporting food security, and protecting Nigerians from unscientific dietary advice.

3. The Time for Action Is Now.

The National Assembly, policymakers, healthcare stakeholders, and the public must recognise that effective nutrition regulation is an investment in Nigeria's health and future. Enacting HB 2659, with clear professional boundaries and mechanisms for collaboration, would be an important step towards stronger nutrition governance, greater public accountability, and more effective responses to malnutrition. We therefore call on the relevant authorities to support the bill and advance a regulatory framework that protects the public, strengthens the nutrition workforce, and makes nutrition a stronger pillar of Nigeria's public health system.