Stakeholders to meet April 22 as SWAN intensifies anti-illicit trade campaign

Stanley Ihedigbo

Director-General, Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Tony Okwoju, has announced plans for a one-day stakeholders’ workshop scheduled for April 22, 2026, aimed at addressing the growing challenge of illicit alcohol trade in the country.

The workshop, according to Okwoju, will bring together enforcement agencies, regulators, and key industry players to develop coordinated strategies to combat the proliferation of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.

He made this known while speaking as a guest at the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN)’s monthly breakfast roundtable held on Friday, in Lagos.

The engagement provided an avenue for dialogue between SWAN and media professionals on the critical role of the press in curbing illicit trade through accurate reporting and increased public awareness.

Okwoju described the illicit alcohol trade as a major threat with severe implications for public health, government revenue, and private sector investment.

Quoting a Deloitte report, he disclosed that Nigeria loses an estimated ₦472 billion annually to illicit alcohol trade—about 40 per cent of the total market share.

He warned that beyond the economic losses, the health risks associated with counterfeit alcohol are dire, as many of the products are produced using methanol, a toxic industrial substance.

“Illegal manufacturers are increasingly using methanol instead of ethanol to produce fake spirits. Methanol has no colour or flavour, making it difficult to detect. Its consumption can result in permanent blindness, organ failure, or even death,” he said.

“These counterfeiters are not just faking brands; they are killing people.”

Okwoju attributed the persistence of the illicit trade to low awareness and weak enforcement, which have allowed criminal networks to thrive, particularly in major commercial centres.

To address the situation, he said SWAN members have adopted proactive measures, including the retrieval and destruction of used bottles to prevent their reuse by counterfeiters.

He explained that empty branded bottles are often collected from bars and waste dumps, refilled with substandard substances, and reintroduced into the market.

“To counter this, manufacturers now deploy teams to retrieve and crush empty bottles from bars and nightclubs. Though this initiative comes at a cost, it ensures these containers are not reused for illegal activities,” he said.

In his remarks, BJAN Chairman, Mr. Daniel Obi, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the media and industry stakeholders in promoting responsible consumption and safeguarding public health.

“Today’s engagement provides a valuable platform to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and explore ways to enhance industry standards and public trust,” he said.

He added that journalists play a crucial role in shaping narratives that support national development and in amplifying efforts to combat illicit trade.

Stakeholders at the forum agreed that a coordinated approach involving government, industry, and the media is essential to effectively tackle the menace and protect consumers across the country.