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NAFDAC issues directives to protect public health and prevent adulteration
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Tanker owners given seven-day ultimatum to comply
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NLC Lagos State pledges support for the measure
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered that petroleum tankers must not be used to transport edible oil, citing public health risks.
The directive was issued during a meeting with the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) and edible oil manufacturers.
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Dr Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigations and Enforcement, warned that the use of petroleum tankers for cooking oil could result in adulteration, posing risks to over 200 million Nigerians who consume edible oil daily.
Dr Iluyomade gave tanker owners a seven-day ultimatum to ensure dedicated trucks are used solely for edible oil.
The directive requires that these tankers be painted green and carry stickers of the NUEOTDN for easy identification by early October.
“This measure is mandatory to halt the practice of switching petroleum tankers for edible oil, as it endangers the lives of millions,” he said.
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, welcomed the directive. Represented by Vice Chairman Comrade Olabisi Adebayo, the union expressed support, pledging compliance.
“On behalf of our Chairman, Comrade Funmi Sessi, we commend NAFDAC for this preventive measure. Our union members will fully comply,” Adebayo said.
NAFDAC’s directive is part of broader efforts to protect consumers and uphold food safety standards, reinforcing the need for strict segregation between petroleum and edible products in transportation.
