HURIWA SEEKS WITHDRAWAL OF NUTRITIONISTS’ BILL OVER THREAT TO INDIGENOUS FOOD KNOWLEDGE

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the withdrawal of a proposed bill regulating the nutrition profession, warning that the legislation could threaten indigenous food knowledge and traditional dietary practices.

The organisation’s position has added to the debate over how Nigeria should regulate nutrition professionals while protecting the country's diverse food traditions and cultural heritage.

Nigeria has a rich culinary heritage, with communities across the country relying on traditional foods, locally available ingredients and generations of knowledge about food preparation and dietary practices. These traditions form an important part of the country's cultural identity and everyday life.

HURIWA's concerns centre on the possibility that the proposed legislation could place excessive restrictions on traditional food knowledge or create barriers for people whose expertise comes from community experience rather than formal professional training.

The regulation of nutrition professionals, however, is also an important public health issue. Qualified nutritionists can help people understand balanced diets, manage diet-related health conditions and make informed food choices. Clear professional standards can support accountability and help protect the public from misleading nutritional advice.

The challenge for lawmakers is to establish appropriate standards without unnecessarily undermining traditional knowledge or preventing communities from preserving and sharing their food heritage.

Indigenous food practices and scientific nutrition do not necessarily have to conflict. Traditional diets can be studied, documented and assessed alongside modern nutritional research, helping preserve cultural knowledge while identifying practices that support good health.

HURIWA's call for the bill to be withdrawn raises questions about the need for broader consultation with nutrition professionals, traditional food experts, community representatives and public health stakeholders before legislation is finalised.

As the debate continues, lawmakers will need to consider both professional regulation and the protection of Nigeria's cultural heritage. A balanced approach could help strengthen nutrition services while ensuring that indigenous food knowledge remains valued and accessible to future generations.