The Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria has called on media organisations to intensify efforts in addressing the growing menace of illicit alcohol trade, warning that the trend poses serious risks to public health and the nation’s economy.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement hosted by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria in Lagos, where industry leaders raised concerns over the proliferation of counterfeit alcoholic beverages across the country.
Brandspur Brand News reports that SWAN’s Director-General, Tony Okwoju, disclosed that Nigeria loses an estimated ₦472 billion annually to illicit alcohol, representing about 40 per cent of the total market share.
He warned that the increasing circulation of fake alcoholic drinks is being driven by criminal networks using hazardous substances such as methanol—an industrial chemical unsuitable for human consumption. According to him, the ingestion of such substances can result in severe health complications, including blindness, organ damage, and death.
The association further highlighted that beyond health implications, the illicit trade undermines government revenue and threatens significant private sector investments within the beverage industry.
To counter the trend, SWAN revealed that member companies have intensified efforts to prevent the reuse of branded bottles, a common tactic employed by counterfeiters. Manufacturers are now deploying recovery teams to collect and destroy empty bottles from bars and hospitality outlets, ensuring they are recycled and rendered unusable.
Okwoju also announced plans for a one-day stakeholders’ workshop scheduled for April 22, 2026, aimed at bringing together enforcement agencies, regulators, and industry players to develop coordinated strategies to tackle the issue.
Chairman of BJAN, Daniel Obi, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the media and industry stakeholders, noting that sustained public awareness and responsible reporting are critical to curbing the spread of counterfeit products.
He added that the partnership would help strengthen industry standards, promote responsible consumption, and contribute to broader economic development.
