In Lagos, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) intercepted and seized two tankers meant for transporting edible vegetable oil. Authorities discovered the vehicles were instead carrying Automotive Gas Oil, also known as diesel. This enforcement action follows a warning issued three months ago by the agency, which explicitly forbade the use of food-grade tankers for petroleum products due to significant public health risks.
Martins Iluyomade, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, confirmed that the vehicles were registered solely for edible oil transport. During questioning, the fleet manager stated he was unfamiliar with the mandatory color-coding protocols established for food safety. Both the drivers and the vehicles are currently detained as the agency continues its inquiry into the breach of safety standards.
Iluyomade emphasized that cross-contamination between fuel and food supplies poses a severe danger to consumers. He reiterated that, in accordance with international food safety guidelines, tankers assigned to edible oil must be used exclusively for that purpose. NAFDAC stated it remains firm in its commitment to monitoring industry compliance and will hold operators accountable for violating these health regulations.