Canada Warns Citizens Over Methanol-Contaminated Alcohol in Nigeria

The Canadian government has warned its citizens travelling to Nigeria against consuming unregulated and adulterated alcoholic drinks following reports of deaths and severe illnesses linked to beverages containing high concentrations of methanol.

The warning was added to Canada’s official Travel Advice and Advisories for Nigeria under the “Safety and security” section. The advisory, updated on September 21, cautioned travellers about the health risks associated with unregulated alcohol.

“Casualties have occurred due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol,” the Canadian government stated.

It advised Canadian travellers to buy alcoholic drinks only from reputable establishments and to seek medical attention if they begin to feel unwell after consuming alcohol.

The warning comes amid a public health incident in Ondo State, where the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control reported 48 deaths and 182 cases of illness as of September 17 following the consumption of suspected locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions.

NAFDAC said laboratory analysis of 15 unlabelled samples found high concentrations of methanol, while 11 of the samples also tested positive for Cannabis indica. The agency said five victims had become totally blind and two others partially blind. Further testing is ongoing to determine the precise methanol concentration and identify other possible toxic substances.

The affected communities are mainly in Odigbo Local Government Area, including Odigbo Town, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga, with cases also reported in Irele Local Government Area. NAFDAC said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated drinks, while investigations and risk-control measures continue.

Methanol is highly toxic and can cause serious poisoning, including visual impairment, blindness, organ failure and death. The Canadian advisory therefore urged travellers to exercise caution when purchasing alcohol in Nigeria and seek medical assistance promptly if they develop symptoms after drinking.