The Lagos State Government has banned the use of petroleum tankers in the transportation and distribution of edible oil as part of efforts to strengthen food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards across the sector.
The restriction forms part of a broader regulatory framework introduced through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and major stakeholders in the edible oil transportation chain.
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 of Nigeria (ETD/NUEOTDN).
In a statement issued on Friday, LASCOPA said the move was aimed at stopping the use of tankers previously deployed for petroleum and hazardous substances in the transportation of edible oil.
The agency warned that the practice exposes consumers to serious health risks caused by possible contamination from chemical residues left in fuel tankers.
“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 read.
According to the agency, the MoU introduces a strict compliance framework mandating the exclusive use of food-grade certified tankers for edible oil transportation.
LASCOPA said the framework would also strengthen hygiene standards, improve traceability, and enhance operational monitoring within the edible oil distribution chain.
The agency added that stakeholders have committed to implementing tanker registration and identification systems, periodic inspections, random spot checks, laboratory testing of edible oil samples, and joint enforcement operations to ensure full compliance.
It further stated that enforcement activities would be intensified under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025.
“Stakeholders are committed to tanker registration, identification systems, periodic inspections, random spot checks, laboratory testing of edible oil samples, and joint enforcement operations to ensure compliance,” the statement added.
LASCOPA also said it would step up monitoring activities and investigate consumer complaints as part of efforts to protect public health and improve consumer confidence in food transportation standards across Lagos State.
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