Canada warns citizens in Nigeria against unregulated alcohol

The Canadian government has warned its citizens travelling to Nigeria against consuming unregulated and adulterated alcohol following reports of casualties linked to drinks containing high levels of methanol.

The warning was contained in an updated travel advisory published under the “Safety and security” section of Canada’s official Travel Advice and Advisories for Nigeria page.

“Casualties have occurred due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol,” the advisory stated.

The Canadian government urged travellers to “buy alcohol from reputable establishments” and seek medical attention if they begin to feel unwell after consuming alcohol.

The warning comes days after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control confirmed high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 people in Ondo State.

NAFDAC said seven victims had been rendered blind, while 182 cases of illness had been recorded as of September 17, 2026.

Meanwhile, Canada’s travel advisory retains its broader warning against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including Abuja, citing security risks such as terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnapping.

“Avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria, including in Abuja, due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings,” the advisory reads.

Lagos and Calabar are excluded from the non-essential travel warning, although travellers to both cities are advised to exercise a high degree of caution.

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