The warning followed an accident involving a 33,000-litre tanker carrying groundnut oil that overturned near Abiola Garden, around Ojota Bridge on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

The incident caused traffic disruption as the tanker spilled its contents onto the road. Videos and reports from the scene showed people collecting the spilled oil, raising concerns that some of the recovered product could enter local markets and reach unsuspecting consumers.

LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, said edible oil spilled onto a public road could come into contact with dirt, dust, harmful microorganisms, drainage water and other hazardous substances.

He warned that the appearance of the oil could not establish whether it was safe for consumption, stressing that contamination may not be visible to the naked eye.

According to Solebo, consuming contaminated edible oil could cause foodborne illnesses and other adverse health effects, depending on the substances involved and the extent of contamination. He also cautioned that heating or cooking the oil might not eliminate certain chemical hazards.

The agency urged residents to avoid collecting the spilled product for household use and warned traders, food vendors and distributors against purchasing or reselling it without appropriate safety assessments and clearance from the relevant authorities.

Solebo said consumer protection includes ensuring that food products sold to the public meet appropriate safety standards. He encouraged residents to report suspected unsafe products so that the relevant authorities could investigate.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also issued a warning following the crash, advising the public not to consume or sell the recovered oil. The agency said preliminary reports suggested that brake failure might have caused the tanker to overturn, although the cause had not been conclusively established.

LASTMA deployed rescue and recovery personnel, supported by heavy-duty tow vehicles, to remove the tanker and help restore traffic movement. Other agencies involved in the response included the police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.

No casualties were reported in the initial accounts of the incident.

The warning highlights the public health risks that can arise when food products are exposed to uncontrolled environmental conditions after a road accident. Authorities are urging residents to prioritise safety over attempts to recover spilled goods.

Consumers who suspect that unsafe or contaminated products are being sold are encouraged to report their concerns to the appropriate regulatory agencies.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia