By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has raised the alarm over the growing menace of illicit alcohol trade in the country, warning that counterfeit and illegally produced spirits are endangering lives, destroying legitimate businesses, and damaging Nigeria’s global image.

Speaking on the sidelines of a workshop on combating illicit spirits and wines in Abuja on Wednesday, SWAN President, Michael Ehindero, said the issue goes beyond revenue losses and should be treated as a major public safety emergency.

“This conversation is about the value of human life,” Ehindero declared, stressing that counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic products often contain toxic substances capable of causing poisoning, long-term health complications, and even death.

He said illicit trade in the spirits and wines industry manifests through counterfeiting, smuggling, illegal production, tax evasion, and the diversion of genuine products into unauthorised channels.

According to him, consumers who unknowingly purchase such products are left exposed, with no protection, no guarantee of quality, and no recourse when harm occurs.

“What looks like a cheaper option can become a life-threatening decision,” he warned.

Ehindero noted that the illicit trade challenge is not unique to the alcohol industry, as sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and tobacco are equally affected.

However, he said the dangers are especially severe in the spirits and wines sector because unregulated products may contain unsafe alcohol levels and dangerous additives.

He lamented that beyond the threat to public health, illicit trade is draining government revenues that should be channelled into healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

“Governments lose billions in tax revenue, while legitimate businesses that invest in quality, compliance, and employment are unfairly undercut,” he said.

Ehindero also warned that the spread of counterfeit alcohol is hurting Nigeria’s international reputation, citing foreign advisories warning visitors about fake drinks during festive periods such as “Detty December.”

“These narratives, whether fully accurate or not, harm tourism, damage Brand Nigeria, and place unfair suspicion on legitimate businesses doing the right thing,” he said.

The SWAN president said the association, whose members include Bacardi, Diageo, Guinness Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Moët Hennessy, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, and others, has intensified efforts to secure product flows, promote public safety, and collaborate with regulators and enforcement agencies.

He called for stronger public-private collaboration, improved intelligence gathering, tougher regulatory enforcement, and greater consumer awareness to tackle the menace.

“The solution will not be found in silos. It will be found in dialogue, alignment, and sustained action across government, industry, law enforcement, and civil society,” Ehindero said.

He added that the Abuja workshop marks the beginning of a broader national campaign against illicit trade in Nigeria’s alcoholic beverages sector.