NAFDAC seizes petrol tankers used for vegetable oil transport in Lagos

By Sodiq Adelakun

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has intercepted three petrol tanker trucks in Apapa, Lagos, that were allegedly used to transport crude edible vegetable oil.

The trucks were seized following concerns about potential health risks due to chemical contamination, as the tankers had previously been used for transporting petrol.

NAFDAC disclosed the operation on Wednesday through a post on their official X handle, raising alarms over the potential dangers of reusing petrol tankers for food products.

The seized crude soy oil was immediately escorted by NAFDAC officials to a processing facility in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, where it was handed over to the agency’s Southwest Zonal Office for further regulatory scrutiny.

“The health risks associated with such practices are significant, and we are taking all necessary steps to prevent the distribution of potentially contaminated food products,” a NAFDAC spokesperson said.

In response to this incident, NAFDAC’s Director-General has formed a committee tasked with developing new guidelines and a code of ethics for the marketing and distribution of edible vegetable oils in Nigeria.

The agency emphasised its dedication to public health and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities involving food and regulated products.

“NAFDAC remains committed to strict enforcement and continuous surveillance to safeguard public health. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any unwholesome practices,” the agency stated.