The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has dismissed reports alleging that two tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil were intercepted while conveying diesel in Lagos, describing the claims as misleading and without merit.
In a statement signed by Comrade Tope Ajagbe on behalf of concerned Lagos tanker drivers, the union clarified that the trucks were not intercepted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as widely reported, but by PTD operatives during a routine enforcement exercise in early July 2026.
According to the statement, the vehicles were subsequently handed over to NAFDAC for prosecution and other regulatory actions in line with existing procedures.
PTD explained that the interception formed part of its robust safety enforcement framework aimed at protecting the integrity of petroleum product transportation from loading through distribution to final delivery.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with regulatory agencies, security operatives and intelligence organisations to ensure strict compliance with safety standards across the petroleum value chain.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the use of the tankers, PTD stated that tankers are not permanently restricted to transporting a single product unless they are specially branded or certified for exclusive use. It noted that logistics companies regularly deploy vehicles for different products, provided they meet the required cleaning and safety standards before each operation.
The union stressed that no evidence had been presented to suggest product adulteration or any intention to deceive, arguing that claims of a “serious breach” were exaggerated and should be disregarded.
PTD also condemned what it described as a campaign of misinformation by one Tajudeen Usman, insisting that he is neither a tanker driver nor a member of the union.
The statement further alleged that Usman, who claims to lead the outlawed Edible Tanker Drivers (ETD), has no legitimate standing in the petroleum transport sector and is attempting to tarnish the image of the union and create unnecessary division within the industry.
“For the record, PTD and its parent union, NUPENG, maintain cordial working relationships with NAFDAC and other relevant government agencies. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and accountability in the transportation of petroleum products,” the statement said.
It added that the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) had publicly disowned Usman and the so-called ETD, urging stakeholders and members of the public to disregard his statements.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and industry safety, PTD said it remains united with NUPENG after more than four decades of contributions to Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
The union concluded with a message of solidarity, declaring: “Workers united will never be defeated.”
