The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has given edible oil manufacturers and distributors two weeks to adopt dedicated green-painted tankers.

NAFDAC announced this on Friday at a joint meeting with oil manufacturers, the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers (NUEOTDN), and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s director of investigation and enforcement, said the measure seeks to safeguard public health by ensuring only dedicated tankers convey edible oils to consumers.

He condemned the use of petroleum and diesel trucks to transport cooking oils, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable due to health implications.

Mr Iluyomade stressed that edible oils are used globally in almost every meal, thus requiring strict regulation to prevent contaminated and unsafe products from reaching Nigerian consumers.

He warned manufacturers and distributors that failure to comply with the directive would attract severe sanctions, adding that protecting Nigerians’ health remained a national security priority.

He noted that NAFDAC had held several meetings with stakeholders before reaching this stage, insisting the agency would not tolerate unwholesome practices in food transportation.

Usman Tajudeen, national secretary of NUEOTDN, pledged the union’s full support, assuring that members had been trained and would strictly comply with the directive.

He urged manufacturers not to patronise unauthorised truck operators, adding that the two-week deadline was an opportunity for truck owners to make necessary adjustments.

Luke Bamidele, quality assurance manager at Premium Edible Oil Products, Ibadan, said manufacturers were ready to cooperate with NAFDAC, while urging NUEOTDN to sensitise more drivers.

Also, Adebayo Idowu, vice-chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos chapter, affirmed the union’s support for NAFDAC’s clampdown on unwholesome edible oil distribution.

A green-painted truck was displayed at NAFDAC’s office as the approved colour for edible oil tankers nationwide.

(NAN)