NAFDAC Seizes Two Vegetable Oil Tankers Found Transporting Diesel in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized two tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil after they were discovered conveying Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in Lagos.

The agency said the seizure was made during a recent enforcement operation, barely three months after it warned transporters against using the same tankers to carry both petroleum products and edible oil, describing the practice as a serious public health risk.

Speaking to journalists, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, said investigations revealed that the two tankers, which were designated exclusively for transporting edible vegetable oil, had been loaded with diesel in violation of food safety regulations.

According to Iluyomade, the manager of the tankers claimed he was unaware of the colour-coding system used to identify vehicles approved for transporting edible vegetable oil.

“The two tankers and their drivers have been taken into custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the violation and ensure appropriate regulatory action,” he said.

NAFDAC Warns Against Cross-Contamination

Iluyomade stressed that tankers approved for transporting edible vegetable oil must never be used to carry petroleum products because of the high risk of contamination and the potential danger such contamination poses to consumers.

“Vegetable oil has nothing to do with petrol or petroleum products, and that is why we are very particular about it,” he said.

He added that dedicated food-grade tankers are an international food safety requirement aimed at protecting public health.

“Any tanker designated for edible vegetable oil must be dedicated exclusively to that purpose in line with international best practices for food safety,” Iluyomade stated.

Agency Reaffirms Commitment to Food Safety

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to enforcing food safety standards across the country and warned tanker owners, transporters and operators to comply strictly with regulations governing the transportation of edible products.

The agency maintained that it would continue monitoring the movement of food products and take appropriate enforcement actions against individuals or companies found violating established safety standards.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, while the seized tankers and their drivers remain in NAFDAC custody pending further regulatory action.