A viral social media post by microbiologist Catia Kyen has reignited public concern over the dangers of counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Nigeria, after she shared footage of imitation liquors early Thursday, describing them as a deadly gamble and urging people to opt for water over such products.
.... quickly gained significant traction online, attracting over 165,000 views and generating a wave of reactions from concerned Nigerians.
Many commenters expressed outrage, while others shared troubling personal accounts of young people suffering kidney failure linked to the consumption of fake alcohol.
Several voices in the comment section called for the establishment of a presidential task force to aggressively pursue and prosecute those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drinks.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has consistently warned that fake alcoholic beverages frequently contain methanol a highly toxic substance that, even in small quantities, can cause blindness, organ failure, or death.
In April 2026, the agency conducted raids on suspected production sites in Lagos, seizing counterfeit drinks valued at approximately ₦350 million, including fake versions of popular brands such as Smirnoff and Hennessy.
Despite the intervention, underground operations have continued largely unabated.
The renewed public outcry highlights the persistent challenge of tackling counterfeit alcohol in Nigeria, with many Nigerians questioning whether existing enforcement measures are sufficient to protect consumers from what is increasingly being seen as a silent public health crisis.
In this country, it feels like someone is just after your life in every corner. Anyone still drinking anything other than water has basically decided to gamble with their own life. Just stick to water, biko. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/aN0Lbe2hdT
— Plateau Militia Asian girl🌟 (@CatiaKyen) May 14, 2026