NAFDAC disowns flyer urging Nigerians to stop drinking alcohol

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against sharing a viral flyer claiming that 90 per cent of alcoholic drinks sold in the country are fake and deadly, saying the alert did not originate from the agency.
NAFDAC said the flyer, which carries its name and logo, was neither produced nor authorised by it, describing the publication as fake.

The agency issued the clarification in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, following the circulation of the message titled, “Urgent Public Health Warning: Stop Drinking Alcohol Now”.

The flyer urges Nigerians to stop consuming alcoholic beverages immediately, alleging that 90 per cent of products on the market are adulterated and dangerous.
It also lists possible consequences of consuming the purported products, including rapid kidney and liver failure, severe vomiting, abdominal pain, permanent blindness and sudden death.

“The claims contained in it should be disregarded,” NAFDAC said, distancing itself from the warning.
The agency advised the public to obtain authentic health alerts and regulatory information only through its verified communication channels.
“Always verify information before sharing,” it added.

NAFDAC’s clarification comes amid ongoing concerns over counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.
In October 2026, the agency’s operatives reportedly raided more than 20 illegal stores at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, seizing counterfeit and revalidated alcoholic products valued at over N2bn and arresting two suspects.

Adulterated alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol can cause serious health complications, including blindness, organ damage, and death.

NAFDAC has advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages from reputable outlets, check registration numbers, inspect product seals and labels, and report suspicious products through its official channels.