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Nigeria Warns Travelers After Alcohol Deaths
23 Sep
Summary
- Dozens have died from consuming methanol-tainted alcohol.
- At least 48 people died from a suspected locally brewed drink.
- Travellers are warned to buy alcohol from reputable establishments.
Nigerian federal authorities have issued a critical safety alert for Canadians travelling to Nigeria, advising extreme caution when purchasing alcohol. This warning comes in response to recent reports of numerous deaths resulting from the consumption of methanol-contaminated alcoholic beverages.
On September 17, local officials confirmed at least 48 fatalities and over 100 individuals undergoing treatment. These tragic cases stemmed from a popular, locally brewed herbal drink, reportedly known as 'Monkey Tail,' which is suspected to have been mixed with methanol.
The affected areas include the Odigbo and Irele local government regions in southern Nigeria. In response to the escalating crisis, Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is enforcing a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers.
This measure aims to curb access to easily obtainable, often poorly regulated, alcoholic drinks, which are particularly common and affordable in Nigeria's rural communities.
