The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disowned a viral flyer circulating online, warning Nigerians to stop drinking alcohol. The agency described the flyer as fake and unauthorised, stating that it was not produced or authorised by NAFDAC. The flyer claims that 90% of alcoholic drinks sold in Nigeria are fake, adulterated, and deadly.
According to NAFDAC, the flyer titled “Urgent Public Health Warning: Stop Drinking Alcohol Now” lists alleged health consequences of drinking alcoholic beverages, including rapid kidney and liver failure, severe vomiting and abdominal pain, permanent blindness, and sudden death. However, the agency has urged Nigerians to disregard the claims and rely on its verified communication channels for authentic public health alerts and official information.
NAFDAC made the clarification in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The agency advised members of the public to always verify information before sharing and to be cautious of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages in Nigeria. In recent months, NAFDAC has intensified enforcement operations targeting illegal production and distribution of alcoholic drinks.
In October 2026, NAFDAC operatives raided more than 20 illegal stores at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, seizing counterfeit and revalidated alcoholic products valued at over ₦2 billion and arresting two suspects. The agency has repeatedly advised consumers to buy only from reputable sources, check for valid registration numbers, examine seals and labels carefully, and report suspicious products via its official channels.
Adulterated alcohol has been linked to serious health risks, including methanol contamination that can cause blindness, organ damage, and death. NAFDAC has therefore emphasised the importance of verifying the authenticity of alcoholic beverages before consumption. The agency has also urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious products or activities to its officials.
The rejection of the viral flyer is part of NAFDAC's efforts to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of misinformation. The agency has assured Nigerians that it will continue to work tirelessly to regulate the food and drug industry and protect the health of citizens. NAFDAC has also encouraged the public to seek information from credible sources and to be wary of fake news.
The incident highlights the need for Nigerians to be cautious of fake news and to verify information before sharing. It also underscores the importance of relying on credible sources of information, especially on matters of public health and safety. NAFDAC's swift response to the viral flyer has been commended by many, who see it as a demonstration of the agency's commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians.
Key points
- NAFDAC has intensified enforcement operations targeting illegal production and distribution of alcoholic drinks.
- Adulterated alcohol has been linked to serious health risks, including methanol contamination.
- NAFDAC has urged Nigerians to rely on its verified communication channels for authentic public health alerts and official information.
