A suspected methanol poisoning outbreak in Ondo State, Nigeria, has claimed 49 lives, raising concerns about unregulated alcoholic drinks. The health emergency was first reported on September 5, when 29 people died within a week of consuming a locally popular gin-based drink. Authorities suspect the drink, known as "Monkey Tail," was contaminated with methanol, a toxic form of alcohol not intended for human consumption.
The outbreak is linked to two traditional ceremonies in the Odigbo area, where attendees consumed the suspected contaminated drink. About 100 others have been hospitalized, according to Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka. A local trader reported that while the original version of the spirit is safe, another version circulating in the area is unsafe.
Methanol can resemble ethanol in appearance and taste, but ingestion can cause severe poisoning, including damage to the eyes, brain, and other organs, and can be fatal. The effects of consuming toxic quantities of methanol can develop rapidly, with victims potentially suffering kidney failure, vision loss, and brain damage.
One survivor, 32-year-old Gbenga Oluwaseun, reported becoming ill during the night after consuming the drink. He experienced a rapid heartbeat and later lost consciousness. Police have arrested 15 suspects in connection with the incident as investigations continue.
The outbreak has renewed calls for stronger regulation and enforcement across Nigeria's informal alcohol market, where some products are sold cheaply without clear information about their ingredients or production process. Journalist Paul Dada said enforcement should go beyond arrests and called for stronger surveillance of local alcohol production and distribution.
The Federal Government has launched a five-year alcohol policy aimed at reducing alcohol-related health risks and strengthening regulation of alcoholic products. The policy includes public education, responsible alcohol marketing, age and access controls, treatment and screening, and safety, quality, and traceability across the alcohol value chain.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, raised concerns about the scale of illicit alcohol trading in Nigeria, citing data that suggests illicit spirits and wines account for about 40% of the Nigerian market, with the government losing an estimated N428 billion in annual revenue.
Key points
- The death toll from the suspected methanol poisoning outbreak in Ondo State has risen to 49.
- The outbreak has renewed calls for stronger regulation and enforcement across Nigeria's informal alcohol market.
- The Federal Government has launched a five-year alcohol policy aimed at reducing alcohol-related health risks.
