The Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, regulators, and industry players to combat the growing menace of illicit trade in Nigeria’s spirits and wines sector.
The appeal was made during a press conference in Abuja following a stakeholder workshop focused on tackling counterfeit and unregulated alcoholic beverages in the country.
Speaking at the event, SWAN President Michael Ehindero described illicit alcohol trade as a national issue with far-reaching consequences.
“Illicit trade in spirits and wines is not just an industry issue it is a national concern. It undermines consumer safety, erodes government revenue, and distorts fair competition,” he said.
The workshop, themed “Combating Illicit Trade in the Spirits and Wines Industry in Nigeria,” brought together policymakers, enforcement agencies, and private sector stakeholders to assess the scale of the problem and explore practical solutions.
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A key presentation was delivered by David Francis of the Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits, who outlined international strategies for strengthening regulatory systems and dismantling counterfeit supply chains.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, commended SWAN for initiating dialogue on an issue critical to public health and economic stability.
SWAN Director-General Tony Okwoju stressed the need to move beyond discussions to concrete implementation.
“We have identified practical, implementable strategies, including strengthening enforcement, improving regulatory alignment, and raising consumer awareness.
The focus now must be on execution,” he said.
Participants at the workshop emphasized that tackling illicit alcohol trade will require sustained enforcement, better coordination among agencies, and increased public awareness to protect consumers and support legitimate businesses.
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