Canadians in Nigeria warned to avoid alcohol amid methanol-related deaths

HEALTH Canadians in Nigeria warned to avoid alcohol amid methanol-related deaths By Rachel Goodman Global News Posted September 23, 2026 3:02 pm 3 min read View image in full screen FILE: A group of adults gather in a bar. Stock photo/ Getty Images LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Canadians should exercise caution when consuming alcohol in Nigeria following reports of deaths and casualties linked to methanol-contaminated booze, government officials said Tuesday. In a safety notice on Tuesday, Canadian officials said, “Casualties have occurred in Nigeria due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol. Buy alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.” STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT It did not provide details on the number of casualties. Last week, Nigerian health officials said 48 people had died, and around 180 others were receiving treatment in the southwestern Ondo state after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic beverage suspected of containing methanol, a highly toxic substance that can cause multiple organ failure and inhibit breathing. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY HEALTH NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. “I took like two shots and I went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see,” 32-year-old Sola Adebayo told the local TVC News channel from a hospital bed, the AP reported. It is common to drink homemade alcohol in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where it is more affordable and its production is not well-regulated. “This thing happened rapidly. Once they consume it, depending on the quantity, the kidneys will pack up, the eyes will go, the brain will be damaged,” Banji Ajaka, Ondo state’s commissioner for health, told The Associated Press, speaking about the drink. Fifteen people were arrested in connection with the toxic concoction, Ondo state police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh said in a statement. Locals told the AP they suspected a popular alcoholic herbal drink known as “Monkey Tail” was mixed with methanol, causing the deaths. Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug…