The Lagos State Government has prohibited the use of petroleum tankers for transporting edible oil as part of new measures aimed at improving food safety and protecting public health.
The directive followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding involving the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and stakeholders within the edible oil and haulage industries.
Regulators said the move became necessary after investigations uncovered cases where tankers previously used for petroleum products were redeployed for transporting cooking oil intended for human consumption.
Authorities warned that traces of petroleum residues inside such tankers could contaminate edible oil and expose consumers to serious health risks.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Afolabi Solebo said the government would not tolerate transportation practices capable of endangering residents.
According to him, the partnership between regulatory agencies and industry operators is intended to strengthen oversight within the food transportation chain and ensure compliance with established safety standards.
He stated that only certified and dedicated tankers would now be allowed to transport edible oil within Lagos, adding that violators would face regulatory sanctions.
Solebo noted that consumer protection remained a critical responsibility of government, particularly in sectors linked directly to public health and food safety.
Officials of NAFDAC said investigations carried out in parts of Lagos, including industrial and port areas, revealed instances where petroleum tankers were used interchangeably for edible oil transportation without proper decontamination procedures.
Martins Iluyomade said the findings raised concerns about food contamination and compliance failures within the haulage sector.
He explained that the new framework would introduce stricter monitoring systems, improved product traceability and clearer identification procedures for tankers approved for edible oil transportation.
Iluyomade added that manufacturers, distributors and transport operators had been directed to comply with the revised safety requirements or face enforcement measures from regulatory authorities.