The federal government is warning Canadians travelling to Nigeria to be careful about where they purchase their alcohol following reports that dozens have died from consuming alcohol containing methanol. On Tuesday, a safety and security update was shared on X which reported casualties in Nigeria due to “the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol.” “Buy alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick,” the post reads. On Sept. 17, local officials reported that at least 48 people had died and 100 others were receiving treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic drink suspected to contain methanol. A state health official said the cases had been reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. A total of 182 people were believed to have been affected and some were hospitalized, he added. Locals told The Associated Press (AP) that they suspected a popular herbal drink with high alcohol content, known as “Monkey Tail,” was mixed with methanol, causing the deaths. A trader who sells the concoction in Odigbo, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of being arrested, told the AP there are two versions of Monkey Tail: an original, safe version, and another version which is unsafe. Local media reports said the first death was reported nearly three weeks ago. Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is currently enforcing a nationwide ban on alcohol in sachets and small plastic containers, which it said are easily accessible to children and young people. Drinking locally made alcohol is common in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, especially in rural areas where it is more affordable and poorly regulated. With files from The Associated Press
