President of the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Michael Olubori Ehindero, has urged the Federal Government to take proactive steps to curb illicit trade in the spirits and wines industry, warning that counterfeit alcohol puts lives at risk and weakens the economy.
Speaking at a workshop on combatting illicit trade in Abuja on Wednesday, Ehindero said the conversation is “not just timely, but deeply necessary” because it is “about the value of human life.”
“Illicit trade refers to the production, importation, distribution, and sale of goods outside legal and regulatory frameworks. This includes counterfeiting, smuggling, illegal production, tax evasion, and the diversion of legitimate products into unauthorised channels,” he said.
Ehindero explained that while illicit trade is often discussed in economic terms, “the real tragedy is that illicit trade puts lives at risk — quietly, consistently, and often invisibly.”
“When counterfeit or illegally traded products enter the market, the end consumer has no protection, no recourse, and no guarantee of safety. What looks like a cheaper option can become a life-threatening decision,” he stated.
*Forms of Illicit Trade*
He listed counterfeit products, illegally produced or adulterated alcohol, smuggling and parallel imports as key forms of illicit trade in the sector.
“These liquids are often made without quality controls, without regulatory oversight, and without regard for human health. They may contain harmful substances, unsafe alcohol levels, or toxic additives — posing serious risks including poisoning, long-term health damage, and in extreme cases, death,” Ehindero said.
*Economic, Reputation Damage*
Beyond health risks, he said illicit trade costs government “billions in tax revenue” that should support education, healthcare, and infrastructure, while legitimate businesses are unfairly undercut.
“Jobs are lost. Investor confidence is shaken. This is not a victimless crime — it weakens entire value chains and slows national development,” he noted.
Ehindero added that Nigeria’s international reputation suffers as government advisories warn citizens about counterfeit alcohol during festive periods like “Detty December.”
“These narratives — whether fully accurate or not — harm tourism, damage brand Nigeria, and place unfair suspicion on legitimate businesses doing the right thing.”
He said SWAN members — including Bacardi, Diageo, Guinness Nigeria, Moet Hennessy, Nigerian Breweries, and Pernod Ricard Nigeria — have taken proactive steps including safe roads campaigns, used glass bottle collection and recycling, and collaboration with regulators.
“The fight against illicit trade requires stronger public-private collaboration, intelligence gathering and effective regulatory enforcement, improved consumer awareness, and above all, a shared commitment to protecting lives,” Ehindero said.
SWAN describes itself as the industry body representing responsible producers, importers, and distributors of spirits and wines from the organised private sector, committed to quality, compliance, and consumer safety.
He said Wednesday’s dialogue is the start of a larger campaign to address illicit trade practices within the alcoholic spirits industry in Nigeria.
