The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated three petrol tankers in Lagos State that were illicitly transporting edible vegetable oil.
According to NAFDAC’s post on X, the oil was transferred from a depot into the tankers, which had previously been used for carrying petroleum products.
In an attached video showing one of the seized tankers, a NAFDAC officials, concerned about health risks from potential chemical contamination, intercepted the tankers and transported them to a processing facility in Sango-Ota for further inspection.
“This is a critical public health issue,” said a NAFDAC official. “The tankers, previously used for petrol and diesel, could contaminate the vegetable oil, posing serious health risks.”
He explained, “We acted swiftly after receiving credible information about the tankers’ dual use. We observed the loading of the tankers and subsequently seized them.” The oil has been handed over to the Southwest Zonal Office of NAFDAC for further regulatory action.
He also highlighted the danger, stating, “These tankers should not be used for edible oil, especially when they bear labels from petrol and diesel. Our investigation will reveal the potential health hazards of mixing petroleum products with food items.”
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Moji Adeyeye, has announced the formation of a committee to create stringent guidelines and an ethical code for the marketing and distribution of edible oils in Nigeria. Adeyeye emphasized the importance of public vigilance, urging citizens to report any suspicious or unsafe practices related to food and regulated products.
