The Lagos State Government has prohibited the use of petroleum product tankers for the transportation of edible oils.
The directive was reached through a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, involving the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and stakeholders in the edible oil production and haulage sectors.
Authorities said the decision followed disturbing findings by NAFDAC, which revealed that some operators had been using tankers previously employed for petroleum products to convey edible oil meant for human consumption.
The agency warned that residual contamination from fuel products could pose serious health risks, including long-term toxic effects on consumers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, said the government would no longer tolerate practices that endanger residents under the guise of commercial convenience.
He explained that the partnership between regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders was aimed at sanitising the edible oil distribution chain and ensuring that only safe and properly handled products reach consumers.
According to him, only tankers specifically designated and certified for food-grade transport will henceforth be allowed to move edible oil within Lagos State, while violators of the new rule will face strict sanctions.
Solebo added that consumer protection remains a core responsibility of government, warning that unsafe handling and transportation of food products could have severe public health consequences.
NAFDAC officials disclosed that inspections conducted across Lagos, particularly around industrial hubs and port access routes, uncovered instances where petroleum tankers were being repurposed for vegetable oil transportation without adequate decontamination.
The Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, Dr Martins Iluyomade, described the situation as a major regulatory concern, noting that it exposes gaps in compliance within the haulage sector.
He said the new framework would introduce stronger monitoring systems, improved traceability, and clear identification protocols for tankers approved to carry edible oils.
Iluyomade further stated that manufacturers, distributors, and transport operators must fully comply with the new guidelines, warning that enforcement actions would be taken against any violations.
