By Austine Agbo Emmanuel
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is set to unveil a national product traceability portal that will allow consumers and regulators to verify the authenticity and origin of goods through QR codes,
The FCCPC Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello disclosed this on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at a workshop on combating illicit trade in the spirits and wines industry, organised by the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
Represented by the Director of Surveillance, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, the FCCPC Chairman noted that illicit trade in spirits and wines is not merely an industry problem but raises serious concerns for consumer protection, fair competition, public revenue and market integrity.
“When counterfeit, smuggled, adulterated or falsely labelled products circulate freely, consumers are exposed to avoidable risks, lawful businesses come under unfair pressure, and confidence in the marketplace is weakened,” he said.
He further warned that illicit alcohol often contains unsafe substances like methanol or improperly processed ethanol, which are implicated in severe poisoning, long-term organ damage and in some cases, loss of life.
“A bottle of drink may appear genuine because the packaging looks familiar. The label may imitate a trusted brand, and the seal may appear intact. Yet the contents may be diluted, contaminated, improperly stored or entirely different from what is presented,” Bello stated.
Speaking also, the President of the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Michael Olubori Ehindero 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.
Ehindero while delivering his address stressed that 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.
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.
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, instead it weakens entire value chains and slows national development,” he added.
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.
He added further that 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.
