Lagos has banned petroleum tankers from being used in the edible oil distribution chain to strengthen edible oil transportation safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.
Nairametrics reported that the restriction is part of a broader framework under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency and key stakeholders in the sector, as disclosed in a statement issued by the agency on Friday.
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).
Lagos said the restriction targets the use of petroleum and hazardous-material tankers for edible oil transport, warning that the practice exposes consumers to contamination risks from chemical residues left in tankers previously used for fuel products.
The agency said the MoU introduces a strict compliance framework requiring the exclusive use of food-grade certified tankers for edible oil transportation, alongside strengthened hygiene, traceability, and operational standards across the value chain.
“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 in part.
It added that 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.
LASCOPA further stated that it would intensify monitoring, consumer complaint investigations, and enforcement actions under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025.
The restriction on petroleum tankers in the edible oil distribution chain is aimed at reducing public health risks from contamination in Nigeria’s food supply system, particularly the reuse of fuel tankers for food-grade products.
The policy enforces exclusive use of certified food-grade tankers for edible oil transport. It addresses contamination risks from chemical residues in previously used petroleum tankers. It introduces stricter oversight through inspections, laboratory testing, and traceability measures. It strengthens regulatory coordination to improve compliance across the value chain.
The policy is expected to raise safety standards and improve consumer trust in edible oil quality.
The Lagos restriction on petroleum tankers in edible oil distribution comes amid renewed regulatory concern over food safety and product integrity in Nigeria’s edible oil market.
In December 2025, NAFDAC warned of substandard and unregistered edible oils circulating across Nigeria after a market surveillance exercise by Lebruni Agro Limited.
Several brands, including OKI, FINO, SUPER DELICIEX, and LA JONIC, were flagged for operating outside approved regulatory frameworks and lacking NAFDAC registration.
The agency raised concerns over unknown sources, unsafe production processes, and potential health risks linked to contaminated oils.
It advised stricter vigilance across the supply chain and urged consumers to verify product authenticity before use.
The Lagos policy aligns with these broader concerns by tightening transport controls and strengthening compliance measures to reduce contamination risks before products reach consumers.
