National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has directed that only green-painted tankers be used for the transportation of edible oils across Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The new rule, announced this week, is part of a wider effort to improve food safety and prevent contamination in the supply chain.

NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said the order is meant to help consumers and regulators easily identify vehicles carrying edible oil. According to her, the move will stop the common practice of using the same tankers for both food and industrial products, which can pose serious health risks.

“Food safety is not negotiable,” Adeyeye said in a statement. “We have seen cases where the same tanker that carries edible oil is later used for chemicals like petroleum or other industrial materials. This is unacceptable. From now on, all tankers moving edible oil must be painted green for easy recognition.”

Clear identification

The agency explained that the green color code will serve as a quick visual marker. This will help inspectors, transport companies, and even the public to know which tankers are carrying food-grade materials.

NAFDAC officials said the regulation takes effect immediately, though transporters will be given time to repaint their vehicles and comply. Companies that fail to follow the directive risk having their products seized or their licenses suspended.

Industry experts say the new policy could reduce cases of contamination, especially in rural areas where monitoring is limited.

Widespread problem

Nigeria has struggled with food safety issues for years. In some cases, tankers that once carried petroleum products such as kerosene or diesel were later used to transport cooking oil. Trace amounts of chemical residue can mix with the food product, making it unsafe for human consumption.

Consumer groups have long demanded stricter rules to protect public health. The green-tanker policy, they say, is a step in the right direction.

“This is a welcome development,” said Lagos-based consumer rights advocate Funke Olanrewaju. “Many Nigerians do not know how edible oil is transported before it gets to their kitchens. With this new policy, it will be easier to track and control.”

Enforcement challenges

While the directive has been praised, questions remain about enforcement. Nigeria’s highways are busy with thousands of trucks moving food and goods daily. Some fear that without strict checks, non-compliant transporters may still slip through.

NAFDAC has promised to work with other agencies, including the police, road safety officials, and state governments, to ensure compliance.

“We are setting up monitoring teams across the country,” Adeyeye said. “We will not hesitate to penalize anyone who violates this directive.”

Industry response

Transport companies and edible oil producers have mixed reactions. Some welcome the policy as a way to build consumer trust, while others worry about the cost of repainting fleets.

A transporter in Kano, who gave his name as Musa, said the change could be expensive for small operators. “Painting a tanker is not cheap, and many of us have several trucks. Government should give us enough time and maybe some support,” he said.

Still, most industry players agree that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs. Safe transport of food products is critical for both public health and business reputation.

NAFDAC said it will publish more guidelines in the coming weeks, including specifications on the shade of green, labeling requirements, and inspection schedules.

The agency urged companies to start compliance immediately and called on consumers to report any violations they see on the road.

Food safety experts say if properly enforced, the green tanker rule could set a new standard in Nigeria’s food transport sector. It may also inspire similar policies for other sensitive products, such as water and dairy.

“The color may seem like a small thing,” Olanrewaju said. “But it can make a big difference in saving lives.”