The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) has threatened to embark on strike over the growing use of petroleum tankers to transport edible oil. It warned that residue from such tankers exposes consumers to toxic chemicals, DNA damage, organ failure, and cancer risk.
In a statement by its President, Ilias Aperun, the union demanded urgent Federal Government intervention to protect Nigeria’s edible oil supply chain, and accused the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG of persistent jurisdictional encroachment.
“This poses a serious concern to food safety, public health, consumer protection, and the integrity of Nigeria’s edible oil supply chain,” Aperun said, noting that NUEOTDN members use dedicated leaf-green and tomato-red tankers designed solely for food-grade products.
The union called on the Federal Government, NAFDAC, the Ministries of Health and Labour, and the Nigeria Labour Congress to address the contamination risk, stressing that a tanker previously used for petroleum “poses severe contamination risks if deployed for food-grade products without appropriate, verifiable, and food-safety-compliant cleaning processes.”
Aperun said NUEOTDN does not oppose lawful regulation or inspection but warned against regulation being used for “harassment, economic exclusion, or the forced conversion of food-grade tanker operators.” He added that members undergo regular FRSC “safe-to-load” training and hygiene education from NAFDAC and LASCOPA.
A conciliation process led by Mr. Amos Falonipe of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment had earlier brought NUEOTDN and NUPENG leadership together on September 1 at NUPENG’s Lagos headquarters, but yielded no resolution. Aperun said the matter was further complicated by the involvement of the Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners (AUTOWN), warning that “the continued interference of NUPENG (PTD) with our members’ legitimate operations is no longer sustainable.”
SOURCE: The Nation Nigeria
