Mr. Tony Okwoju, Director-General of the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has called on the media to play a proactive role in combating the surge of illicit alcohol in Nigeria. His remarks came during the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN)’s monthly breakfast roundtable held on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Lagos.
The session provided a platform for dialogue on how responsible media reporting can protect public health, safeguard industry investment, and highlight the economic costs of counterfeit beverages to the government.
Okwoju also announced a One-Day Stakeholders Workshop scheduled for April 22, 2026, aimed at bringing together enforcement agencies, regulators, and industry stakeholders to tackle the illicit alcohol trade.
“Illegal manufacturers are increasingly using methanol, a toxic industrial alcohol, instead of ethanol to concoct fake spirits. Methanol has no colour or flavour, making it difficult to detect, but consumption can cause permanent blindness, organ failure, or even death. These counterfeiters are not just faking brands—they are killing people,” Okwoju warned.
Citing a Deloitte report, Okwoju revealed that Nigeria loses an estimated ₦472 billion annually to illicit alcohol trade, which accounts for approximately 40% of the market. Beyond the economic loss, he emphasised the severe health risks posed by adulterated products.
The DG noted that weak enforcement and low public awareness have allowed criminal syndicates to thrive, particularly in major commercial hubs.
“Criminals scavenge bars and dumpsters to collect branded bottles, which they refill with toxic mixtures. To counter this, major manufacturers are retrieving and crushing empty bottles before sending them to specialised recycling plants to prevent reuse by illicit traders,” he explained.
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SWAN has implemented aggressive initiatives to sanitise the sector, including the retrieval of used bottles and heightened collaboration with regulatory agencies. The upcoming April 22 workshop aims to engage all relevant stakeholders to formulate strategies to curb counterfeit alcoholic beverages nationwide.
BJAN Chairman, Daniel Obi, commended the initiative, stating: “Today’s engagement provides a valuable platform for dialogue—an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and explore ways we can collectively enhance industry standards, improve public perception, and support responsible consumption across the country.”
He further noted that collaborations between associations like BJAN and SWAN are vital for amplifying positive narratives and promoting sustainable growth in Nigeria’s beverage sector.
The event underscores the growing partnership between media and industry in safeguarding consumers, supporting responsible production, and protecting economic interests from the damaging effects of illicit alcohol trade.