The United Kingdom UK Government has issued a public advisory warning its citizens travelling to Nigeria about the danger of methanol poisoning linked to the consumption of counterfeit or adulterated alcoholic drinks in the country.
The warning, contained in a statement by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), cautioned British nationals to avoid unlicensed alcoholic products while visiting Nigeria. The FCDO said fake or illegally brewed drinks circulating in some parts of the country could contain high levels of methanol, a toxic chemical capable of causing blindness, organ failure, or death.
“Travellers are advised to buy alcohol only from reputable shops, supermarkets, and licensed hotels. Do not consume homemade, unlabelled, or unusually cheap alcoholic drinks,” the advisory read.
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Methanol, commonly used in industrial solvents such as antifreeze and fuel, is sometimes added illegally to low-quality liquor to cut production costs. The FCDO warned that even small amounts could be lethal, adding that symptoms such as headache, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, and confusion could appear within hours of consumption.
“Methanol is tasteless and odourless, making it difficult to detect. Severe poisoning may cause permanent blindness or death within 24 to 48 hours if not treated immediately,” the statement added.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria has also repeatedly warned the public against consuming fake or unregistered alcoholic products. The agency said several illegal factories producing counterfeit spirits and wines had been uncovered in Lagos, Onitsha, and Kano in recent months.
“These fake drinks are often produced under unhygienic conditions with dangerous chemicals. NAFDAC has intensified surveillance to curb the production and distribution of these deadly products,” a NAFDAC spokesperson said.
Health experts note that methanol poisoning has become a growing concern across parts of Africa and Asia, especially in regions where local brewing and weak regulation make it easy for fake alcohol to enter the market.
The UK advisory adds Nigeria to a list of countries including India, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines — where the risk of counterfeit alcoholic beverages has been flagged for foreign travellers.
British citizens visiting Nigeria have been urged to remain cautious, avoid street-bought liquor, and seek immediate medical help if they suspect methanol exposure after drinking.
Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities have assured that crackdowns on fake alcohol producers are ongoing, while consumers are urged to report suspicious products or outlets to NAFDAC for prompt investigation.
“Public safety is our priority. We urge both citizens and visitors to stay alert and avoid unverified alcohol sources,” NAFDAC warned.
The advisory comes as Nigeria intensifies its own campaigns against food and drink counterfeiting, amid rising health concerns linked to unregulated local production and weak consumer awareness.