SWAN Warns Of Illicit Alcohol Surge, Urges Action To Protect Health

The Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has raised fresh concerns over the growing threat of illicit alcohol in Nigeria.

SWAN called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb the menace and protect public health, government revenue and legitimate businesses.

The call followed a one-day workshop hosted by the association in Abuja on Wednesday with the theme “Combating Illicit Trade in the Spirits and Wines Industry in Nigeria.”

SWAN, the industry body representing businesses involved in the manufacturing, importation, distribution and marketing of spirits, wines and other alcoholic beverages in Nigeria, include global and local firms such as Bacardi, Diageo, Distell, Guinness Nigeria, Moët Hennessy, Nigerian Bottling Company, Nigerian Breweries and Pernod Ricard among its members.

Addressing journalists after the workshop, SWAN managing director, Michael Ehindero, said discussions at the session emphasised on the urgent need for collective action.

He noted that illicit trade in spirits and wines poses a serious risk to consumers and undermines lawful operators within the sector.

“Illicit trade, particularly in spirits and wines, remains a significant threat to the public health of Nigerians, to government revenue, and to the sustainability of legitimate businesses operating within the law,” he said.

According to him, one of the major takeaways is that no single stakeholder can tackle the problem alone.

“Effective action will require stronger collaboration across the public and private sectors, improved regulatory alignment, consistent enforcement, and increased consumer awareness,” he added.

Ehindero also emphasised the human cost of illicit alcohol, warning that the issue should not be viewed merely in financial terms.

“We will not look at this conversation primarily in monetary terms. We must look at it in the value of human lives.

“There is an incentive for people to cut corners, and the desire for cheaper products fuels illicit businesses. At the same time, regulatory lapses and, in some cases, excessive taxation can create opportunities for illegal operators,” he noted.

Ehindero further clarified that illicit trade goes beyond counterfeiting, encompassing smuggling, tax evasion and parallel imports, with counterfeit products forming only a subset of the broader problem.

“Our members are continually engaging with enforcement agencies with a view to working together to fight this. It is a continuous process.

“We reiterate our call for sustained collaboration and collective responsibility in addressing illicit trade in Nigeria,” he added.