The Lagos State Government has banned the use of petroleum tankers for the transportation and distribution of edible oil as part of efforts to improve food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance in the sector.
The directive is contained in a broader regulatory framework introduced through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency and key stakeholders in the edible oil transportation industry.
Parties to the agreement include the Marketers and Sellers of Edible Oil Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, and the Association of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria under the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, LASCOPA said the measure was introduced to stop the use of tankers previously used for transporting petroleum products and other hazardous substances in the movement of edible oil.
The agency warned that the practice poses serious health risks to consumers due to possible contamination from chemical residues left inside fuel tankers.
According to the statement, the agreement seeks to ensure that tankers designated for edible oil transportation are used solely for that purpose and are not deployed for petroleum products or hazardous materials.
LASCOPA stated that the framework mandates the exclusive use of certified food-grade tankers for edible oil transportation while also strengthening hygiene standards, traceability, and operational monitoring within the distribution chain.
The agency added that stakeholders had agreed to implement tanker registration and identification systems, periodic inspections, random spot checks, laboratory testing of edible oil samples, and joint enforcement operations to guarantee compliance.
It further noted that enforcement efforts would be intensified under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025.
LASCOPA also pledged to increase monitoring activities and investigate consumer complaints as part of efforts to safeguard public health and boost confidence in food transportation standards across Lagos State.
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