The Spirits & Wines Association of Nigeria, SWAN has urged consumers to buy alcoholic beverages from authorised retailers and check product seals and packaging, as it called for sustained enforcement against counterfeit products and illicit trade.
The association said seizures and arrests by regulatory and enforcement agencies highlighted the importance of collaboration among government authorities, alcohol producers and intelligence partners in disrupting illicit distribution networks.
In a statement issued by its Director General, Tony Okwoju, SWAN described illicit trade as a threat to consumer safety, government revenue and legitimate businesses, adding that coordinated enforcement efforts must be sustained.
The association said its member companies continued to invest in brand protection, market surveillance and intelligence gathering to help identify and address illicit trade.
It also cited glass recovery initiatives as part of efforts to promote environmental responsibility and remove empty bottles from circulation, reducing opportunities for illicit refilling and counterfeiting.
SWAN called on the media to report enforcement actions accurately and distinguish counterfeit products from genuine brands to avoid misleading consumers or undermining confidence in legitimate products.
It advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages from trusted outlets, ensure packaging and seals are intact, and report suspicious products or suspected illicit trade to the appropriate authorities.
The association said cooperation among regulators, industry operators, retailers, distributors, the media and consumers was necessary to protect public health, preserve government revenue and safeguard legitimate businesses and jobs.
As part of its stakeholder engagement efforts, SWAN said it had organised a workshop earlier in the year involving government, media and industry representatives to examine illicit trade in the alcohol industry and identify ways to strengthen collective action.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting enforcement agencies through stakeholder engagement, intelligence sharing and consumer education.