Dietitians Call for Withdrawal of Nutritionists’ Council Bill Over Quackery Concerns

The Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria has formally urged the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed Nutritionists’ Council Bill, expressing serious concerns about its implications for the practice of nutrition and dietetics in the country. According to the Institute, the bill lacks sufficient measures to restrict practice to only qualified and certified professionals, which could lead to an increase in quackery within the sector.

In a statement released by the Institute, representatives highlighted that the current formulation of the bill does not adequately protect the public from unqualified practitioners who may misrepresent their credentials and offer potentially harmful dietary advice. “If this bill is passed without the necessary amendments, we risk allowing individuals without proper training to operate in an area critical to public health,” the statement read.

Dietitians have emphasized that professional oversight is essential to maintain standards in nutrition, which plays a crucial role in health promotion and disease prevention. They argue that the proposed bill, in its present form, could undermine the credibility of certified dietitians and nutritionists, thereby eroding public trust in nutrition-related services.

“This is not just about the profession; it’s about the health and safety of the Nigerian populace,” said a spokesperson for the Institute. “We cannot afford to compromise on the standards of care that individuals receive regarding their nutrition.”

The call for withdrawal of the bill comes at a time when the importance of proper nutrition is increasingly recognized in combating health issues such as obesity and diabetes in Nigeria. The Institute is advocating for a revised version of the bill that includes stricter regulations and qualifications to ensure that only those trained in accredited programs can provide nutritional services.