The Spirits & Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended regulatory and enforcement agencies for strengthening efforts to combat illicit alcohol trade, saying collaboration with industry players is helping to tackle counterfeit products and protect consumers.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Tony Okwoju, the association said recent seizures and arrests highlighted the importance of cooperation among government agencies, businesses and intelligence partners in identifying and disrupting illicit trade networks.
Also read: NAFDAC seizes ₦200m counterfeit alcohol packaging in Aba
SWAN described illicit trade as a major concern with implications for consumer safety, government revenue and legitimate businesses.
It added that recent enforcement activities demonstrated the value of coordinated action and called for the efforts to be sustained.
The association said its member companies continued to invest in brand protection, market surveillance and intelligence gathering, while working with relevant authorities to identify and address suspected illicit trade activities.
Beyond supporting enforcement operations, SWAN highlighted sustainability initiatives, including glass recovery projects designed to promote environmental responsibility and remove empty bottles from circulation.
According to the association, such initiatives can also help reduce opportunities for illicit refilling and counterfeiting.
SWAN maintained that cooperation between regulators and legitimate industry operators remained important to disrupting illegal activities and protecting consumers from potentially unsafe products.
The association also urged the media to report enforcement operations responsibly, stressing the need to distinguish accurately between counterfeit products and genuine brands.
It warned that inaccurate reporting could mislead consumers and inadvertently undermine confidence in legitimate products.
SWAN reassured consumers of reputable producers’ commitment to quality and safety standards, while encouraging the public to take precautions when purchasing alcoholic beverages.
It advised consumers to buy products from trusted and authorised retail outlets, check that packaging and seals remained intact, and report suspicious products or suspected illicit trade activities to the appropriate authorities.
SWAN said sustained cooperation among government agencies, industry operators, retailers, distributors, the media and consumers was essential to protecting public health, safeguarding government revenue, supporting legitimate businesses and jobs, and maintaining consumer confidence in established brands.
The association also recalled that it had organised a stakeholder workshop earlier in the year to examine illicit trade in the alcohol industry.
The workshop brought together representatives from government, the media and industry to discuss the challenges associated with illicit trade and explore practical ways to strengthen collective action.
SWAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regulatory and enforcement agencies through stakeholder engagement, intelligence sharing and consumer education.
It said a coordinated approach involving multiple stakeholders remained crucial to achieving lasting progress against illicit trade in Nigeria’s alcohol sector.
The Spirits & Wines Association of Nigeria represents businesses involved in the manufacturing, importation, distribution and marketing of spirits, wines and other alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.
The association promotes responsible drinking, supports legitimate industry practices and works to combat illicit trade.
Also read: NAFDAC seizes ₦200m counterfeit alcohol packaging in Aba
Its stakeholder engagement initiatives bring together regulatory and enforcement agencies, the media, members of the diplomatic community, legislators and industry operators to explore practical solutions to the problem.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
