Nigeria, July 22 -- The House of Representatives has stepped down a bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils in Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by Chike Okafor (APC, Imo), was brought before the House for second reading but faced strong opposition from lawmakers who argued that its provisions could negatively affect rural producers and duplicate the functions of existing regulatory agencies.

The sponsor, while presenting the bill, said the health implications of consuming unbranded and unfortified edible oils had become alarming, citing the increasing incidence of heart-related diseases and other health challenges.

According to Mr Okafor, 67 per cent ...