The Lagos State Government has prohibited the use of petroleum tankers for the transportation and distribution of edible oil, in a move aimed at improving food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance within the sector.
The directive is part of a wider regulatory arrangement formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and key stakeholders involved in the edible oil supply chain.
Those covered by the agreement include 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 explained that the policy is designed to eliminate the practice of using tankers previously engaged in carrying petroleum products and other hazardous materials for edible oil transportation.
The agency warned that such practices pose significant health risks due to possible contamination from residual chemicals 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.
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LASCOPA added that the new MoU introduces a strict compliance system requiring the exclusive deployment of food-grade certified tankers for edible oil movement.
According to the agency, the framework is expected to improve hygiene standards, enhance traceability, and strengthen oversight within the distribution process.
Stakeholders under the agreement have also committed to measures such as tanker registration and identification systems, routine inspections, random compliance checks, laboratory testing of edible oil samples, and coordinated enforcement operations to ensure adherence.
“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 further disclosed that enforcement will be intensified under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025, while monitoring efforts and investigation of consumer complaints will also be strengthened to safeguard public health and boost confidence in edible oil distribution across the state.