NAFDAC Seizes 2 Tankers For Transporting Diesel In Edible Oil Trucks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted two tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil after they were found carrying Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in Lagos.

The seizure comes barely three months after the agency warned transporters against using the same tankers for petroleum products and edible oil, describing the practice as a serious threat to public health.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mr Martins Iluyomade, said the tankers were intercepted during a recent enforcement operation in Lagos.

According to him, investigations revealed that the two vehicles, which were meant exclusively for transporting edible vegetable oil, had been loaded with diesel in clear violation of food safety regulations.

He disclosed that the tanker manager claimed he was unaware of the colour-coding system for edible oil tankers, adding that the vehicles had previously been used only for transporting diesel.

“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,” Iluyomade said.

He stressed that edible oil tankers must never be used to transport petroleum products.

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

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

Iluyomade assured Nigerians that NAFDAC would strengthen its enforcement activities to prevent a recurrence of such violations.

He also urged operators in the sector to comply with all safety and regulatory requirements and appealed to members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency recalled that in March it held a sensitisation meeting with edible oil tanker operators, petroleum transporters and their unions, warning them against using the same tankers for petroleum products and edible oil. During the meeting, NAFDAC explained the colour-coded identification system introduced to distinguish tankers approved for edible oil from those used for petroleum products.