Nigeria’s edible oil tanker drivers have suspended their planned industrial action, averting a potential disruption to the transportation and distribution of edible oil across the country. The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) announced the suspension on September 22, a day before the strike was scheduled to begin, following interventions by the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The union’s president, Comrade Ilias Aperun, said the decision was taken to allow ongoing discussions aimed at resolving issues affecting its operations and stakeholders in the edible oil sector. The union had planned the strike over alleged interference with its jurisdiction, harassment of its members and concerns surrounding the safety of transporting edible oil. According to the union, the government and DSS interventions are focused on finding a lasting solution to the dispute.
Aperun directed members and other stakeholders to suspend all planned industrial action and maintain normal operations while discussions continue. He said the union’s decision was made in the interest of peace, national economic stability and the protection of the edible oil supply chain. The suspension means consumers and businesses can expect the transportation of edible oil to continue as the government works with the relevant stakeholders to address the outstanding concerns.
A major issue raised by the tanker drivers is the need for dedicated, food-grade tankers for edible oil transportation. NUEOTDN has expressed concerns about the use of tankers previously used for petroleum products, citing potential food-safety risks. The Lagos State Government had earlier restricted the use of petroleum tankers in the edible oil distribution chain and supported the adoption of food-grade certified tankers, alongside improved hygiene, traceability and compliance standards.
The latest development comes amid wider concerns over safety and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s edible oil market. NAFDAC had previously warned consumers about the circulation of substandard and unregistered edible oils, highlighting the potential public health risks associated with unsafe products. For now, the planned strike has been put on hold, but the union says further updates will be communicated as discussions with the government and other stakeholders progress.
source: nairametrics