The Canadian government has warned its citizens in Nigeria to avoid unregulated alcohol following an outbreak in Ondo State linked to locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions that has left 48 people dead.
Canada updated its official travel advisory for Nigeria on September 21, adding a warning about unregulated alcohol. The advisory urges Canadians to buy alcoholic drinks only from reputable establishments and seek medical attention if they begin to feel unwell after consuming alcohol.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the warning follows a deadly outbreak recorded mainly in parts of Odigbo Local Government Area, with additional cases reported in Irele. NAFDAC said 182 cases had been recorded as of September 17, while 48 deaths had been confirmed.
The Nigerian regulator said preliminary laboratory tests detected high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected drinks. Of 15 unlabeled samples examined, 11 also tested positive for Cannabis indica, according to NAFDAC.
The health impact has been severe. NAFDAC said 90 affected people were admitted and later discharged, 31 were treated as outpatients and six remained hospitalised. Five victims were reportedly left totally blind, while two suffered partial blindness.
Methanol is highly toxic when consumed and can cause serious poisoning, including visual disturbances, organ damage and death. In the Ondo outbreak, health officials reported cases involving sudden illness and severe complications following consumption of the suspected concoctions.
The incident has also prompted arrests. Police have arrested 15 people as investigations continue into the source of the suspected contamination. Local reports have associated the affected drink with a locally made herbal alcoholic concoction popularly known as “Monkey Tail”, although investigations into the precise source of the methanol remain ongoing.
The Canadian warning comes as Nigerian authorities step up efforts to contain the outbreak and investigate the products involved. Ondo State has also begun reviewing the regulatory framework covering the preparation, production, distribution, sale and consumption of locally prepared herbal and alcoholic products.
The episode has drawn renewed attention to the risks surrounding alcohol produced outside regulated manufacturing and distribution channels, particularly in communities where locally made drinks are more affordable and readily available.
For Canadians in Nigeria, the updated advisory provides a specific precaution: alcohol should be obtained from reputable establishments, while anyone who develops symptoms after drinking should seek medical care promptly.
