Canada Issues Warning on Unregulated Alcohol in Nigeria

Canada Issues Warning on Unregulated Alcohol in Nigeria

The Canadian government has cautioned its citizens travelling to Nigeria against consuming unregulated or adulterated alcoholic drinks, following reports of deaths linked to beverages containing dangerous levels of methanol.The advisory, published in the “Safety and Security” section of Canada’s official travel guidance for Nigeria, noted: “Casualties have occurred due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol."Travellers were urged to purchase alcohol only from reputable establishments and to seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell after drinking.The warning comes after Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed that locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions were responsible for the deaths of 48 people in Ondo State. Seven victims were left blind, while 182 cases of illness were recorded as of September 17, 2026.Toxicology tests revealed high concentrations of methanol in 11 of 15 samples, alongside traces of cannabis. NAFDAC warned that methanol exposure can cause blindness, organ failure, and death. Acute oral toxicity tests on six samples resulted in 50 percent mortality among laboratory mice.Authorities have arrested 15 suspects linked to the production and distribution of the implicated drinks. NAFDAC has urged Nigerians to avoid unlicensed or unregistered alcoholic and herbal concoctions, advising anyone who experiences sudden visual disturbances, severe headaches, breathing difficulties, or altered consciousness after consumption to seek urgent medical care.Meanwhile, Canada’s broader travel advisory continues to warn against non-essential travel to Nigeria, citing terrorism, crime, and kidnapping risks. Lagos and Calabar are exceptions, where travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution.

Source: Canada Issues Warning on Unregulated Alcohol in Nigeria



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