2nd left, Mr Afolabi Solebo, General Manager, LASCOPA, with some stakeholders in edible oil transportation in Lagos State, during signing of MoU on Wednesday
By Oluwatope Lawanson
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen edible oil transportation safety across Lagos State.
The agreement involved three industry groups linked to edible oil marketing, haulage, tanker operations, and road transportation.
The participating bodies included the Marketers and Sellers of Edible Oil Association of Nigeria, transport owners, and tanker drivers.
The other signatories were the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and the Edible Oil Tanker Drivers’ Union.
Speaking during the ceremony, LASCOPA General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, described the agreement as a major consumer protection milestone.
Solebo said the partnership established a collaborative framework to protect residents from unsafe edible oil products.
“This partnership became necessary following disturbing reports from across the transportation chain,” Solebo said.
He said investigations revealed that some edible oil tankers were deployed for petroleum and diesel transportation.
“Such practices expose consumers to cross-contamination and harmful chemical residue retention,” he said.
Solebo warned that poor transportation standards could compromise food quality and public health across the state.
He said all parties had accepted strict hygiene and operational compliance measures under the agreement.
According to him, the arrangement also introduced stronger registration and identification systems for edible oil tankers.
“Traceability remains critical in protecting consumers and maintaining accountability,” Solebo said.
He added that tankers designated for edible oil must serve that purpose exclusively.
“They must never be used for petroleum products or hazardous substances,” he warned.
Solebo said the agreement also created a Joint Enforcement and Compliance Committee.
The committee will oversee coordinated monitoring, enforcement, and routine compliance inspections across Lagos.
“LASCOPA will conduct inspections, scientific sampling, and laboratory testing where necessary,” he said.
He added that the agency would also investigate complaints and intensify public awareness campaigns.
Representatives of all participating associations signed the agreement and pledged full compliance.
They promised to maintain certified food-grade tankers and proper operational documentation.
Solebo said consumer safety remained a top priority of the Lagos State Government.
“Violators of these standards will face sanctions and prosecution under the law,” he said.
He said the agreement also provides for random spot checks and stakeholder training.
“Consumer education and joint enforcement operations will continue within legal limits,” Solebo added. NAN
