Collaboration is Key to Protecting Consumers and Public Health, Says SWAN
The Spirits & Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended the sustained efforts of regulatory and enforcement agencies to combat illicit trade and protect consumers, noting that increased enforcement actions against counterfeit alcoholic products across the country underscore the importance of collaboration in tackling the challenge.
In a statement issued by the Association’s Director General, Mr. Tony Okwoju, SWAN noted that recent seizures and arrests demonstrate the growing impact of collaboration among regulatory and enforcement agencies, industry players and intelligence partners in identifying and disrupting illicit trade networks.
The Association reiterated that illicit trade remains a significant concern, with far-reaching implications for consumer safety, government revenue and legitimate businesses. However, it noted that recent enforcement successes demonstrate that coordinated action is yielding tangible results and must be sustained.
SWAN also highlighted the continued investments by its member companies in brand protection, market surveillance, intelligence gathering and collaboration with relevant authorities to identify and address illicit trade activities. Beyond supporting enforcement efforts, member companies are implementing sustainable initiatives, including glass recovery projects, which promote environmental responsibility while helping to remove empty bottles from circulation and reduce opportunities for illicit refilling and counterfeiting.
The Association further called for responsible media coverage of enforcement actions, emphasising the importance of accurately distinguishing counterfeit products from genuine brands to avoid misleading consumers and inadvertently damaging confidence in legitimate products.
Reassuring consumers of the commitment of reputable producers to maintaining high quality and safety standards, SWAN encouraged the public to purchase alcoholic products from trusted and authorised retail outlets, check that product packaging and seals are intact, and report suspicious products or suspected illicit trade activities to the appropriate authorities.
According to the Association, sustained collaboration among government agencies, industry players, retailers, distributors, the media and consumers remains essential to protecting public health, safeguarding government revenue, supporting legitimate businesses and jobs, and preserving consumer confidence in established brands.
As part of its broader stakeholder engagement efforts, SWAN earlier in the year organised a workshop on illicit trade in the alcohol industry. The workshop brought together stakeholders from government, the media and industry to examine the challenges posed by illicit trade and explore practical approaches to strengthening collective action against it.
SWAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the efforts of regulatory and enforcement agencies through continued stakeholder engagement, intelligence sharing and consumer education, stressing that a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach remains vital to achieving lasting progress in the fight against illicit trade.
About SWAN
The Spirits & Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is the industry body representing 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 in the alcohol sector. As part of these efforts, SWAN earlier in the year convened a stakeholder workshop on combating illicit trade, bringing together regulatory and enforcement agencies, the media, members of the diplomatic community, the legislature and industry operators to explore practical ways to strengthen collaboration and address the challenges associated with illicit trade.
