Canada has joined the United Kingdom and Australia in warning its citizens about the dangers of consuming contaminated and unregulated alcoholic drinks in Nigeria following a reported methanol poisoning outbreak that has claimed 48 lives in Ondo State.
The Canadian government updated its Nigeria travel advisory on September 21, 2026, urging travellers to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic beverages, particularly those purchased outside established and reputable outlets.
According to the advisory, casualties have been linked to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol. Canadian authorities advised travellers to purchase alcoholic drinks only from reputable establishments and to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms after consuming alcohol.
The warning followed a report by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which said 48 people had died in Ondo State as of September 17 following suspected methanol poisoning.
NAFDAC recorded 182 cases of severe illness, including cases involving partial or complete loss of sight. Ninety patients had been treated and discharged from hospitals, while six others remained hospitalised at the time of the agency’s update.
Preliminary laboratory analysis of 15 samples of locally prepared alcoholic beverages and herbal concoctions found high concentrations of methanol. Eleven of the samples also tested positive for Cannabis indica.
NAFDAC described the preliminary findings as “gravely concerning” and said investigations, surveillance and public health interventions were continuing in affected communities, particularly in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas of Ondo State.
The development has also prompted attention from other foreign governments that have issued travel health warnings concerning alcohol consumption in Nigeria.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns travellers that there have been deaths and serious illnesses associated with alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Nigeria.
British authorities advise travellers to avoid unlicensed alcoholic beverages, noting that methanol may not be detectable by taste or smell and that consuming even relatively small amounts can have fatal consequences.
The UK expanded its methanol-poisoning travel guidance in October 2025 to include Nigeria alongside several other countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, Peru and Russia.
Australia has also issued a similar warning through its Smartraveller travel advisory for Nigeria. Australian authorities advise travellers to remain vigilant when consuming alcohol and recommend that visitors only consume branded, sealed drinks.
Travellers who suspect they may have consumed methanol-contaminated alcohol are also advised to seek urgent medical attention, as symptoms can become severe and may include visual impairment and other serious complications.
The warnings from Canada, the UK and Australia come amid ongoing investigations into the Ondo State outbreak, with Nigerian authorities continuing efforts to identify the source of the contaminated drinks and prevent further cases.