The Canadian government has issued a warning to its citizens traveling to Nigeria against consuming unregulated and adulterated alcohol. This warning was published in the "Safety and security" section of the Travel Advice and Advisories for Nigeria page on the official government website. According to the advisory, there have been casualties due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol.
The warning comes days after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 people in Ondo State. NAFDAC also disclosed that seven victims had been rendered blind, while 182 cases of illness had been recorded as of September 17, 2026.
NAFDAC subjected 15 unlabelled samples of the suspected concoctions to toxicology, chemical, and microbiological examinations. The results showed that 11 of the 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica, while gas chromatography confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol, a toxic substance capable of causing blindness, organ failure, and death.
The agency conducted acute oral toxicity tests on six samples, which resulted in approximately 50 per cent mortality among laboratory mice. Confirmatory analyses are ongoing to determine the precise concentration of methanol and identify other possible toxic agents in the drinks. NAFDAC has arrested 15 people in connection with the suspected production, sale, and distribution of the implicated beverages.
NAFDAC has warned Nigerians against consuming unlicensed, unregistered, and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions of unknown composition. The agency advised anyone who develops sudden visual disturbances, severe headache, difficulty breathing, or altered consciousness after consuming such substances to seek immediate medical attention.
The Canadian travel advisory retains its broader warning for travelers to Nigeria, advising against non-essential travel to the country, including Abuja, due to the unpredictable security situation and risks of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks, and kidnapping. However, the advisory excludes Lagos and Calabar from the non-essential travel warning, advising travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in the two cities.
The Canadian government has advised travelers to buy alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical attention if they begin to feel unwell after consuming alcohol. This warning is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and well-being of Canadian citizens traveling abroad.
Key points
- The Canadian government warns citizens against consuming unregulated and adulterated alcohol in Nigeria due to methanol poisoning risks.
- NAFDAC confirms 48 deaths and 182 cases of illness linked to locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions containing high levels of methanol.
- The Canadian travel advisory advises against non-essential travel to Nigeria, excluding Lagos and Calabar, due to security concerns.
