NAFDAC Stops Two Tankers Carrying Diesel Instead of Vegetable Oil in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stopped two tankers that were supposed to carry edible vegetable oil. Instead, they were found to be carrying Automotive Gas Oil, which is diesel, in Lagos.

On Monday, the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, spoke to reporters. He called this situation a serious breach of food safety rules and a possible danger to public health.

Mr Iluyomade explained that the discovery happened during a recent enforcement operation in Lagos. The agency's investigation showed that the two tankers, which should only be used for edible vegetable oil, had diesel loaded in them, breaking food safety laws.

The director mentioned that the manager of the tankers claimed he didn’t know about the colour-coding rules for edible oil tankers. He also said that the vehicles had only been used before to transport diesel.

The two tankers and their drivers are now in custody, as investigations continue to find out how serious the violation is and to decide on the right regulatory action. “Vegetable oil has nothing to do with petrol or petroleum products, and that is why we are very particular about it,” he said.

“Any tanker designated for edible vegetable oil must be dedicated exclusively to that purpose, which is in line with international best practices for food safety.” The director promised that NAFDAC would increase enforcement and stay more alert to prevent such cases in the future.

Mr Iluyomade, who also chairs the National Taskforce, urged people in the industry to follow the safety and regulatory rules. He encouraged the public to help by reporting any suspicious activities to the closest NAFDAC office across the country.