Canadian officials have urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when drinking alcohol in Nigeria after a surge of poisonings linked to methanol‑contaminated beverages. The advisory, issued on Tuesday, highlights that unregulated and adulterated drinks have already caused casualties, and recommends purchasing alcohol only from reputable venues while seeking immediate medical help if symptoms arise.
Official Advisory Issued
Global Affairs Canada released a brief statement warning that “casualties have occurred in Nigeria due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol.” The notice advises travellers to buy spirits from established bars, hotels or licensed retailers and to act quickly if they feel unwell after drinking. No specific number of Canadian victims was disclosed, but the alert follows a worsening situation in southwestern Nigeria where dozens have fallen ill.
Situation in Ondo State
Nigerian health authorities reported last week that 48 people had died and roughly 180 others were receiving treatment in Ondo state after ingesting a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected of containing methanol. Sola Adebayo, a 32‑year‑old patient, told TVC News from his hospital bed that he “took like two shots and went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see.” Ondo state’s commissioner for health, Banji Ajaka, described the rapid onset of toxicity: “Once they consume it, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged.” Police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh said fifteen individuals have been arrested in connection with the toxic batch, and locals have pointed to a popular herbal concoction known as “Monkey Tail” as the likely vehicle for the methanol. In response, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers.
Understanding Methanol Risks
Methanol is a clear, colourless alcohol commonly found in industrial cleaners, solvents, paints, cosmetics and antifreeze. When ingested, it is metabolised into formaldehyde and formic acid, substances that can cause severe metabolic acidosis, visual impairment, renal failure and, in high doses, death. Illicit producers sometimes add methanol to drinks as a cheap substitute for ethanol, or it may appear as a by‑product of poorly distilled homebrew. Even small amounts can lead to delayed symptoms, making prompt medical intervention essential.
Global Context and Past Incidents
The Nigerian episode echoes similar tragedies elsewhere. In November 2024, two Australian backpackers, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19, died after consuming methanol‑laced alcohol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Laos. Their deaths were part of a larger outbreak that also claimed the lives of two Danish women, a U.S. tourist and a British citizen. Thai authorities confirmed that Jones suffered “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.” Such incidents underscore the persistent danger posed by unregulated alcohol in tourist hotspots and the need for travellers to remain vigilant.
Why it Matters
The warning from Canada serves as a stark reminder that leisure travel can expose individuals to hidden hazards when local alcohol markets lack proper oversight. Methanol poisoning is preventable through informed choices—purchasing from licensed suppliers, recognising early signs of toxicity, and seeking urgent care—yet outbreaks continue to claim lives in regions where informal production thrives. By highlighting the Nigerian crisis and linking it to previous global cases, the advisory not only protects Canadian travellers but also reinforces the broader public‑health imperative for stronger regulation, surveillance and education around alcohol safety worldwide.
