Lagos bans petroleum tankers from transporting edible oil

The Lagos State Government has banned the use of tankers that previously carried petroleum products for transporting edible oils.

The ban was formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and key players in the edible oil production and transportation industries.

The decision follows unsettling findings by NAFDAC that some operators were using former petroleum tankers to transport edible oil intended for human consumption.

NAFDAC warned that residual fuel contamination could create serious health risks, including long‑term toxic effects for consumers.

At the signing ceremony, LASCOPA General Manager Afolabi Solebo stated that the government would no longer tolerate practices that endanger residents under the pretext of commercial convenience.

He added that the collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders seeks to cleanse the edible oil distribution chain and guarantee that only safe, properly handled products reach consumers.

He said that only tankers specifically designated and certified for food‑grade transport will be permitted to move edible oil in Lagos State, and violators will face strict sanctions.

Solebo emphasized that consumer protection is a core governmental responsibility and warned that unsafe handling and transportation of food products could lead to severe public health consequences.

NAFDAC officials revealed that inspections across Lagos, especially near industrial hubs and port access routes, uncovered cases where petroleum tankers were repurposed to transport vegetable oil without proper decontamination.

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, described the situation as a major regulatory concern, highlighting gaps in compliance within the haulage sector.

He said the new framework will introduce stronger monitoring systems, enhanced traceability, and clear identification protocols for tankers approved to carry edible oils.

Iluyomade added that manufacturers, distributors, and transport operators must fully comply with the new guidelines, warning that enforcement actions will be taken against any violations.