Dangers of Fake Beverages Consumption in Kogi State, — Omera Opaluwa
By: Omera Ugbede Opaluwa
Residents of Kogi State are indeed facing a serious public health crisis due to the unchecked influx and widespread consumption of fake, unregulated, and chemically laced alcoholic and energy drinks sold under suspicious brand names like Striker, Erujeje, and Fearless. These products are particularly popular among youths and low-income earners, posing a silent but deadly threat.
Such fake drinks have been linked to severe health complications including kidney, liver, and brain damage. For instance, in other Nigerian states like Kano and Ogun, consumption of substandard and fake beverages has led to multiple deaths and numerous cases of kidney-related illnesses, highlighting the grave risks involved. Experts warn that adulterated alcoholic drinks produced in unhygienic conditions with harmful chemicals can cause acute and chronic gastrointestinal problems, liver cirrhosis, renal impairment, neurological disorders, and even death.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been actively shutting down illegal production sites in various parts of Nigeria, but the problem persists due to the high demand and low affordability of quality drinks. Public health specialists emphasize the need for increased vigilance by consumers and stronger regulatory enforcement to curb the production and sale of these dangerous products.
The crisis in Kogi State mirrors a broader national issue where fake and chemically dangerous alcoholic and energy drinks threaten public health, potentially causing more harm than economic hardships themselves.
During my recent visit to Idah and Ugwolawo in Kogi State, I discovered a disturbing trend where all the provision shops and sit-out joints I visited were openly selling questionable drinks in unlabeled containers or with flashy branding that concealed their toxic content. Unlike standard beverages available in Abuja or other cities, these drinks were suspiciously cheap, overly potent, and often had an unnatural taste and color with strange names such as;
1. Fearless
2. Striker
3. 2By2
4. Kakaraka
5. Predator
6. Halogen
7. Captain jack
8. Night charger
9. Gbefun
10. Super commando
11. Old port and many more.
My investigations revealed that numerous products are being smuggled into the state via the eastern corridors of the country, lacking certification from regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC, thereby evading scrutiny essential for ensuring public safety, with their origin and content remaining unknown, yet readily flooding the local market.
The only fees these smugglers pay are to the Agberos stationed by state or local government to collect various taxes from lorries and cars bringing these items to the communities, with no safety measures in place. The continued consumption of these unverified substances is a ticking time bomb that can lead to;
Toxic chemical exposure can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. High levels of methanol or industrial alcohol can lead to neurological disorders. Gastrointestinal complications can result in ulcers and internal bleeding. In extreme cases, overconsumption or allergic reactions can lead to sudden death.
As indicated by the health-related issues revealed to me by Google, medical practitioners reading this can also attest to the dangers posed by these strange drinks. Specifically, those in Kogi communities, including my own environment, listed as an example above, can corroborate the occurrence of unusual illnesses and sudden deaths among individuals, which may be attributed to these substances unknowingly.
A lack of comprehensive health education and subpar surveillance contributes to many unreported deaths, with some cases being erroneously attributed to spiritual attacks or witchcraft.
Economic hardship compels some people to consume these beverages, mainly owing to a scarcity of advantageous employment opportunities, inadequate safety standards, and insufficient health orientation.
This pressing threat necessitates swift and decisive action from all tiers of government and public health institutions.
This development should spur an immediate crackdown on the production, distribution, and sale of unapproved drinks in Kogi State, following NAFDAC’s lead in other states.
Strengthening of NAFDAC presence and enforcement in local markets, especially in rural areas in Kogi State.
Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of consuming unregulated products.
Collaboration with community leaders, religious bodies, and youth groups to curb demand and promote healthier alternatives.
Encouraging whistleblowing and provisions of reachable contacts to anonymous reporting of suspicious drink vendors or manufacturers.
The health and safety of Kogi State citizens should not be compromised by negligence or economic desperation of some individual. If these things are left unaddressed, the unchecked spread of fake and toxic beverages may become a public health emergency of irreversible mistake.
This is not a political criticism as some government apologists and Data-Boys may tag it. It is a matter of life and death. It is time for the government, health agencies, and the people of Kogi to rise and confront this growing menace before it consumes more lives including government appointees family members.
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