The Lagos State Government has prohibited the use of petroleum tankers for the transportation and distribution of edible oil, citing concerns over food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance.

The decision was announced through a regulatory framework introduced by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key stakeholders in the edible oil supply chain.

Stakeholders Sign New Transport Safety Agreement

The agreement involves 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 (ETD/NUEOTDN).

According to LASCOPA, the new policy is aimed at eliminating the practice of using tankers previously deployed for petroleum products to carry edible oil, a practice the agency described as a public health risk.

Health Risks and Regulatory Concerns

The agency warned that residual chemicals from petroleum products could contaminate edible oil, posing serious health dangers to consumers.

It explained that the new framework is designed to ensure that only food-grade certified tankers are used for transporting edible oil across the state.

“The key objectives of the agreement include ensuring that tankers designated for edible oil transportation are used exclusively for that purpose; and preventing the use of edible oil tankers for petroleum products and hazardous substances,” the statement said.

New Compliance and Enforcement Measures

Under the new arrangement, stakeholders have agreed to implement stricter monitoring systems, including tanker registration, identification tagging, periodic inspections, random checks, laboratory testing of edible oil samples, and joint enforcement operations.

LASCOPA also stated that enforcement will be backed by provisions of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025.

The agency added that it will intensify surveillance and respond to consumer complaints in a bid to strengthen public confidence in the safety of edible oil distribution within the state.

Officials say the move marks a significant step toward improving hygiene standards and ensuring safer food transportation practices across Lagos.