The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a public health warning to Nigeria and seven other countries over the growing threat of methanol poisoning linked to counterfeit alcoholic drinks.
The advisory, published in an updated BBC report, highlights increasing global concern over the circulation of toxic, methanol-laced beverages that have caused multiple deaths around the world.
The UK government specifically urged Nigerians to buy only sealed alcoholic drinks from trusted outlets and avoid cheap, unverified, or homemade beverages, warning that many contain dangerous levels of methanol.
Countries Affected
Previously, the FCDO’s methanol poisoning advisory covered Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Fiji.
The new update now includes Nigeria, Kenya, Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Russia, and Uganda — countries witnessing a surge in fake or unregulated alcohol sales.
The warning follows several high-profile cases, including the death of six tourists in Laos last year after consuming methanol-contaminated drinks.
Why Methanol Is Dangerous
Methanol, an industrial chemical commonly found in antifreeze and windscreen washer fluids, becomes highly toxic when ingested.
The body converts it into formic acid and formaldehyde, substances that can severely damage nerves and organs.
“The harm from methanol poisoning happens hours later as the body tries to break it down in the liver,” the advisory explained.
“These toxic by-products can cause blindness, coma, or death.”
According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), thousands die from methanol poisoning every year, with fatality rates ranging between 20% and 40%.
Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning
The FCDO noted that early symptoms can mimic regular alcohol intoxication, making the condition difficult to detect.
However, as methanol builds up in the body, symptoms may progress to:
Blurred or double vision
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness and confusion
Seizures or coma
Respiratory failure and death in severe cases
Health authorities advise that anyone experiencing these symptoms after drinking alcohol — especially abroad — should seek immediate medical attention, as early treatment can save lives.
Safety Tips for Travellers
Travellers are urged to:
Buy only sealed bottles from licensed or reputable outlets
Avoid homemade or pre-mixed drinks served in unlabelled containers, jugs, or buckets
Stay cautious in bars and local establishments that sell extremely cheap alcohol
The FCDO also encouraged governments in affected countries to strengthen regulation, improve public education, and monitor the informal alcohol market, which remains widespread in Nigeria and parts of Africa.
Nigeria’s High Alcohol Consumption
Nigeria ranks among the top 30 beer markets in the world, with citizens spending over ₦947 billion ($2.29 billion) on beer annually, according to a report titled “Beer’s Global Economic Footprint” by Oxford Economics.
The report shows Nigeria as one of the fastest-growing markets for beer producers among 70 countries surveyed globally.
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