SWAN Hails Joint Efforts to Tackle Counterfeit Alcohol, Protect Consumers

The Spirits & Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended regulatory and enforcement agencies for their efforts to combat illicit alcohol trade, saying collaboration with industry players is helping to disrupt the distribution of counterfeit products.

The association said recent seizures and arrests across the country highlighted the importance of coordinated action among government agencies, manufacturers, intelligence partners and other stakeholders in tackling the problem.

In a statement signed by its Director General, Tony Okwoju, SWAN described illicit trade as a continuing concern with serious implications for consumer safety, government revenue and legitimate businesses.

It noted that the recent enforcement operations showed that cooperation among relevant stakeholders was producing results, urging authorities and industry players to sustain the efforts.

SWAN also disclosed that its member companies continued to invest in brand protection, market surveillance and intelligence gathering to identify suspicious products and support authorities in addressing illicit trade.

Beyond enforcement, the association said its members were undertaking environmental initiatives, including glass recovery projects. These efforts help collect empty bottles for recovery and reuse while reducing the risk of bottles being diverted for illicit refilling and counterfeiting.

The association also urged the media to report enforcement operations accurately, particularly when identifying suspected counterfeit alcoholic products.

According to SWAN, reports must clearly distinguish counterfeit products from genuine brands to avoid misleading consumers or unfairly damaging the reputation of legitimate producers.

The association reassured consumers that reputable producers remained committed to maintaining quality and safety standards. It advised members of the public to buy alcoholic products from trusted and authorised retailers, check that packaging and seals were intact, and report suspicious products or suspected illicit activities to the appropriate authorities.

SWAN stressed that tackling illicit trade required sustained cooperation among government agencies, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, the media and consumers.

It said such collaboration was necessary not only to protect public health but also to safeguard government revenue, preserve legitimate businesses and jobs, and maintain consumer confidence in established brands.

As part of its efforts to encourage greater cooperation, the association said it had organised a stakeholder workshop earlier in the year to address illicit trade in the alcohol industry.

The workshop brought together representatives from government, the media and industry to examine the challenges posed by illicit trade and discuss practical ways to strengthen collective action.

SWAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regulatory and enforcement agencies through stakeholder engagement, intelligence sharing and consumer education, maintaining that a coordinated approach remained essential to achieving lasting progress against counterfeit alcohol and other illicit products.