The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized three petrol tankers in Lagos State that were being used to transport edible vegetable oil.
According to a statement posted by the agency on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the oil was trans-loaded into the tankers from an edible oil depot.
NAFDAC expressed concern over the potential health risks posed by chemical contamination, as the tankers had previously been used for transporting petrol. Officials from the agency escorted the tankers to a processing facility in Sango-Ota, where the crude soy oil was handed over to NAFDAC’s Southwest Zonal Office for further regulatory action.
In a video attached to the post, a NAFDAC official explained that they received credible information revealing that the same tankers used to load vegetable oil had previously been used to carry petroleum products. The official described the situation as a significant public health concern, noting that petroleum products are carcinogenic and pose severe risks if consumed.
The agency apprehended the suspects involved and seized the trucks for further investigation. The investigation will aim to highlight the dangers of mixing petroleum products with edible oils, which is a major threat to public health.
NAFDAC has also announced that its Director-General, Moji Adeyeye, has set up a committee to develop guidelines and a code of ethics for the marketing and distribution of edible vegetable oils in Nigeria. The agency urged the public to report any suspicious or unsafe practices involving food and other regulated products.
