The National Universities Commission (NUC) has warned that a proposed law to establish the Nutritionists Registration Council of Nigeria (NRCN) could conflict with existing education legislation and create overlapping regulatory responsibilities.
The commission raised the concerns at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security to consider the bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate and standardise the training and professional practice of nutritionists in Nigeria. It passed second reading in the House of Representatives in July.
Speaking at the hearing, the NUC noted the provisions it said could overlap with existing legal frameworks, raising questions about how the proposed council would operate alongside established regulatory bodies.
The concerns came as stakeholders presented their positions on the bill, which is intended to strengthen professional standards in nutrition and food services.
Lawmakers said they would consider the submissions objectively and ensure fairness throughout the legislative process.
The proposed council is expected to promote professional competence, improve nutrition services and protect Nigerians from misleading nutrition advice.
However, the NUC’s concerns highlight the need for lawmakers to address possible legal conflicts and clarify regulatory responsibilities before the bill progresses further.
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