The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has expanded its travel advisory to include Nigeria along with seven other countries, Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Uganda and Kenya, over the risks of methanol poisoning through counterfeit or tainted alcoholic beverages.
Travellers from the UK are being advised to steer clear of homemade or unsealed alcoholic drinks and instead consume beverages only from licensed establishments.
Warning signs such as blurred vision and confusion may signal methanol poisoning, which can lead to serious illness or death.
Methanol is a toxic industrial chemical found in antifreeze and paint thinners, not meant for human consumption.
Authorities say unscrupulous producers sometimes add it to spirits or cocktails to increase volume or reduce costs.
The move follows previous high‑profile international incidents, including the death of six tourists in Laos linked to tainted alcohol.
The warning builds on existing guidance issued for countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji.
The FCDO emphasises the importance of checking seals and labels, avoiding drinks served in “buckets” or jugs, and seeking urgent medical care if symptoms of poisoning appear.
