Canada warns citizens against unregulated alcohol in Nigeria

The Canadian government has issued a warning to its citizens traveling to Nigeria about the dangers of consuming unregulated and adulterated alcohol. This advice is part of an updated travel advisory on the official Canadian government website, focusing on safety and security in Nigeria. The Canadian government reported that consumption of such alcohol has resulted in casualties due to high levels of methanol.

They advised travelers to purchase alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical help if they feel unwell after drinking. This specific warning was issued following reports of 48 deaths in Ondo State, Nigeria, linked to locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions containing methanol. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed these deaths and reported 182 cases of illness.

Additionally, 15 people were arrested in connection with the production, sale, and distribution of these beverages. NAFDAC also warned Nigerians against consuming unlicensed, unregistered, or locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions of unknown composition, urging anyone experiencing sudden visual disturbances, severe headache, difficulty breathing, or altered consciousness to seek immediate medical attention.