By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Spirits & Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended regulatory and enforcement agencies for their sustained efforts to combat illicit trade and protect consumers, saying recent seizures and arrests involving counterfeit alcoholic products highlight the importance of collaboration in tackling the menace.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Tony Okwoju, the association said recent enforcement operations demonstrate the growing impact of cooperation among regulatory agencies, industry players and intelligence partners in identifying and disrupting illicit trade networks.
SWAN described illicit trade as a major concern with serious implications for consumer safety, government revenue and legitimate businesses. It noted, however, that recent enforcement successes show that coordinated efforts are producing tangible results and should be sustained.
The association also highlighted investments by its member companies in brand protection, market surveillance, intelligence gathering and collaboration with relevant authorities to identify and tackle illicit trade.
According to SWAN, member companies are equally implementing sustainable initiatives, including glass recovery projects, to promote environmental responsibility while removing empty bottles from circulation and reducing opportunities for illicit refilling and counterfeiting.
The association called for responsible media coverage of enforcement operations, urging journalists to distinguish accurately between counterfeit products and genuine brands to avoid misleading consumers and undermining confidence in legitimate products.
Reaffirming the commitment of reputable producers to maintaining high quality and safety standards, SWAN advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages from trusted and authorised retail outlets.
It also urged consumers to check that product packaging and seals are intact and report suspicious products or suspected illicit trade activities to the appropriate authorities.
The association stressed that sustained collaboration 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.
As part of its stakeholder engagement efforts, SWAN said it had organised a workshop earlier in the year to address 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 the problem.
SWAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regulatory and enforcement agencies through continued stakeholder engagement, intelligence sharing and consumer education, noting that a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach remained critical to achieving lasting progress in the fight against illicit trade.
