The Canadian government has warned its citizens travelling to Nigeria against consuming unregulated or adulterated alcohol following reports of deaths and illnesses linked to drinks containing high levels of methanol.
An updated travel advisory under the “Safety and security” section of Canada’s official Travel Advice and Advisories for Nigeria included the warning.
“Casualties have occurred due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol,” the advisory stated.
Travelers were advised by the Canadian government to only purchase alcohol from respectable businesses and to get medical help if they start feeling ill after drinking.
The alert follows the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) confirmation of elevated methanol levels in locally made alcoholic and herbal mixtures connected to 48 fatalities in Ondo State.
According to NAFDAC, seven victims were rendered blind, while 182 cases of illness had been recorded as of September 17, 2026.
In the meantime, due to security concerns like terrorism, crime, intercommunal conflicts, armed attacks, and kidnapping, Canada’s travel advisory still advises against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including Abuja.
However, Lagos and Calabar are excluded from the non-essential travel warning, although travellers to both cities are advised to exercise a high degree of caution.
