HopeReach Initiative for Humanitarian Development has called on the House of Representatives to fast-track the passage of a bill...
HopeReach Initiative for Humanitarian Development has called on the House of Representatives to fast-track the passage of a bill seeking to regulate the nutrition profession in Nigeria.
The Kano-based NGO made the call at a public hearing on the Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria Bill, 2025 (HB 2659), organised by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Mr. Jamil Y Salman, presented the memorandum, urging lawmakers to pass the bill without delay.
HopeReach warned that Nigeria’s malnutrition burden, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast, underscores the urgent need for a regulated and qualified nutrition workforce.
It cited estimates of nearly 6.4 million children and 787,000 pregnant women affected by malnutrition.
The organisation also raised concerns over the lack of legal protection for the title “Nutritionist”, which allows unqualified individuals to claim the designation.
“Nigeria cannot fight malnutrition effectively without a regulated, qualified nutrition workforce,” Salman said.
“This Bill gives the country a register, professional standards and accountability. We urge the National Assembly to pass it without delay.”
HopeReach proposed several amendments to strengthen the legislation, including an independent governing board, fair-hearing safeguards in disciplinary proceedings and alignment with the National Universities Commission on accreditation.
The organisation pledged to support the council’s operations if established, particularly through curriculum review, continuing professional development and the supervision of its community nutrition programmes by registered practitioners.
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