Why It’s Urgent To Combat Fake Alcohol Distribution In Nigeria – Victoria Ushebi
The spirits industry has been grappling with a pervasive issue – the proliferation of illicit alcohol. This issue, identified as a transnational crime with links to extensive criminal enterprises, poses serious threats not only to consumers but also to the reputation of reputable brands. Delving into the complexities of this global crisis, it becomes crucial to focus our lens on Nigeria, where the recent crackdown by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on fake spirit factories in Abia and Enugu states has brought it to the forefront.
Taking a closer look at the global market through the lens of a similar problem in the United Kingdom — the trade in fake and illicit alcohol is not a new phenomenon, as evidenced by historical records. In contemporary times, the scale and impact of this issue have reached alarming levels. The UK’s crime agency, Interpol, has highlighted the extensive and complex criminal enterprises involved in the trade of fake and pirated goods, linking it to other crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, corruption, bribery, and money laundering.
Recent seizures of counterfeit alcohol in the UK indicate the widespread nature of the problem. Investigations coordinated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) in 2020 led to the seizure of 1.2 million litres of alcoholic beverages, with wine being the largest quantity. The types of fake alcohol seized included whisky, vodka, and other spirits, emphasising the diverse range of products targeted by counterfeiters.
Similarly, the United States faces its own challenges in combating the distribution of fake alcohol. While incidents of this illicit product being distributed are reported less frequently than in many other countries, the U.S. benefits from a strong rule of law culture, absence of corruption, and a mature and responsible alcohol industry. The regulatory regime in the U.S. has evolved over 150 years, with comprehensive controls ensuring the safety and authenticity of alcohol products.
In Nigeria, the recent crackdown by NAFDAC on fake spirit factories in Abia, Enugu, and Lagos serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the proliferation of illicit production of alcohol within the country. The activities uncovered during the operation revealed a disturbing trend – the manufacturing of a wide variety of adulterated products, including different kinds of wine, whiskey, spirits, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Counterfeiters in Nigeria have shown a high level of sophistication, engaging in activities such as date revalidation for expired products, including for popular brands. The fake and substandard products, including counterfeit versions of well-known brands, which are being sold to unsuspecting members of the public. The street value of the confiscated and destroyed fake products was estimated at over N750,000,000, highlighting the scale of the issue. This has a grappling hold on the alcohol market as even renowned hospitality companies play a role in the distribution of counterfeit products for economic gains.
The consequences of consuming these harmful substances are severe and extend beyond health risks. Health-wise, the consumption of illicit alcohol can cause a barrage of adverse reactions including food poisoning, organ failure, coma, and even death. The recent plea by popular nightlife and hospitality enthusiasts including popular acts such as the Nigerian artist Buju Benson sheds light on the financial losses and health problems faced by patrons who unknowingly purchase these dangerous products. In his plea, he emphasised the need for establishments to stop selling fake drinks, highlighting the detrimental effects on consumers.
To confront this global pandemic, it is essential to strike a balance between ensuring consumer safety and safeguarding the reputation of the spirits industry. The NAFDAC crackdown in Nigeria is a positive step, but it requires sustained efforts, collaboration, and heightened awareness to curb the menace of fake alcohol distribution.
As a call to action to safeguard Nigeria’s spirits industry, there is an urgent need to strengthen regulations and enhance consumer education. Regulatory bodies like NAFDAC play a crucial role in enforcing stringent measures to detect and eliminate fake alcohol production and distribution. Collaboration with industry stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and international partners can strengthen these efforts.
Consumer education is equally vital in empowering individuals to make informed choices. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of fake alcohol, how to identify counterfeit products, and the importance of purchasing from reputable sources will contribute to a safer drinking culture.
In addition to promoting reputable sources, and brand education, alcohol brands with high stakes within the country should build local hubs or strong partnerships with hospitality companies to create pop-up shops or lounges where consumers can purchase quality products — only a handful of brands such as The Macallan, amongst others have purposefully created dedicated outlets for patrons to purchase products directly, whilst most brands are heavily reliant on 3rd-party vendors.
Resultantly, the fight against fake alcohol is a global challenge that requires a united front. As we commend the recent actions taken by NAFDAC in Nigeria, it is essential to recognize that this is an ongoing battle that necessitates continuous vigilance and collaborative efforts. The spirit industry’s resilience and commitment to consumer safety will be instrumental in overcoming the menace of fake alcohol and ensuring a secure and authentic drinking experience for patrons.
