Nigeria is losing about ₦428 billion every year because of illegal alcohol trade, according to the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The Director-General of SWAN, Tony Okwoju, said this in Abuja during a workshop on how to stop illegal alcohol trading in the country.
He explained that a 2024 survey showed that about 40% of spirits and wines sold in Nigeria are illegal. This means that about two out of every five bottles in the market are not properly regulated.
These illegal products include smuggled drinks, fake alcohol, and products that avoid paying taxes. While fake alcohol makes up a smaller part of the market, it is more dangerous because it is often produced in unsafe conditions.
Okwoju said the government is losing a huge amount of money around ₦428 billion every year because of this problem. He also warned that it is affecting both the economy and people’s health.
The workshop brought together over 800 people, including government officials, regulators, and industry leaders. They discussed ways to fight illegal alcohol trade.
Industry experts said that illegal alcohol is growing because many people prefer cheaper products, enforcement is weak, and taxes are high.
They also warned that fake alcohol has been linked to serious health problems and even deaths in some cases.
The SWAN Managing Director, Michael Ehindero, said stronger cooperation between government agencies, better enforcement, and public awareness are needed to solve the problem.
Nigeria’s alcohol market is still growing, with bitters being the most popular drink, followed by whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Most consumers prefer taste over health concerns, and many spend less than ₦5,000 weekly on alcohol.
Experts also warned that banning affordable packaging like sachets and small bottles could make illegal alcohol trade worse if not carefully managed.
Source: Nairametrics
