The Lagos State Government has banned the use of petroleum tankers for the transportation and distribution of edible oil across the state. The move is part of efforts to improve food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards within the edible oil sector.
The restriction was introduced through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and key stakeholders in the transportation and distribution chain.
The agreement includes the Marketers and Sellers of Edible Oil Association of Nigeria (MASEON), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria under the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (ETD/NUEOTDN).
In a statement released on Friday, LASCOPA said the decision was necessary to stop the use of tankers previously used for petroleum products and hazardous substances in transporting edible oil.
According to the agency, the practice poses serious health risks to consumers because of possible contamination from chemical residues left inside fuel tankers.
LASCOPA explained that the agreement aims to ensure that tankers meant for edible oil transportation are used strictly for that purpose.
“The key objectives of the agreement include ensuring that tankers designated for edible oil transportation are used exclusively for that purpose; preventing the use of edible oil tankers for petroleum products and hazardous substances,” the statement said.
The agency added that the new framework requires the exclusive use of certified food-grade tankers for transporting edible oil.
It stated that the policy would strengthen hygiene standards, improve traceability, and enhance operational monitoring across the edible oil distribution chain in Lagos State.
LASCOPA also disclosed that stakeholders have agreed to introduce tanker registration and identification systems. Other measures include periodic inspections, random spot checks, laboratory testing of edible oil samples, and joint enforcement operations.
The agency noted that enforcement activities would be intensified under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025.
LASCOPA said it would increase monitoring activities and investigate consumer complaints to protect public health and boost consumer confidence in food transportation standards across the state.
