The Canadian government has warned its citizens travelling to Nigeria to avoid unregulated and adulterated alcoholic drinks following reports of deaths and serious illnesses linked to beverages containing dangerous levels of methanol.
The warning was contained in the Canadian government’s official travel advisory for Nigeria under its “Safety and Security” guidance.
According to the advisory, casualties have occurred after people consumed unregulated and adulterated alcoholic drinks containing high concentrations of methanol.
The Canadian authorities advised travellers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from reputable establishments and to seek immediate medical attention if they become unwell after drinking.
The development comes amid a deadly incident in Ondo State, where the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control linked locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions to the deaths of 48 people.
NAFDAC also reported that seven victims were left blind, while 182 cases of illness had been recorded as of September 17, 2026.
The agency said toxicology tests conducted on samples collected from the implicated drinks found high concentrations of methanol in 11 of 15 samples tested.
Traces of cannabis were also reportedly detected in the samples.
Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that can cause severe poisoning when consumed. NAFDAC warned that exposure could result in visual impairment and blindness, organ failure and death.
The agency further disclosed that acute oral toxicity tests conducted on six samples resulted in 50 per cent mortality among laboratory mice, underscoring the potential toxicity of the substances involved.
Following investigations into the incident, authorities arrested 15 suspects allegedly connected with the production and distribution of the implicated drinks.
NAFDAC has subsequently intensified its warning against the consumption of unlicensed or unregistered alcoholic beverages and herbal concoctions.
The agency advised members of the public to be particularly cautious of locally prepared drinks whose contents, ingredients and production processes are not subject to regulatory checks.
It also urged anyone who develops sudden visual disturbances, severe headaches, breathing difficulties or altered consciousness after consuming alcoholic or herbal drinks to seek emergency medical attention.
Methanol poisoning can initially present with symptoms that may appear less severe before progressing to serious complications, making prompt medical intervention critical.
The Canadian warning has added an international dimension to the concerns raised by Nigerian authorities over the safety of unregulated alcoholic beverages.
Meanwhile, Canada’s wider travel advisory continues to caution its citizens against non-essential travel to Nigeria, citing risks associated with terrorism, crime and kidnapping.
Lagos and Calabar are listed as exceptions to the broader warning, although Canadian travellers to the two cities are advised to exercise a high degree of caution.
The latest advisory comes as Nigerian authorities continue efforts to trace the sources of the suspected methanol-tainted beverages and prevent further casualties.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
