Nigeria Grapples with Health Crisis: 53 Deaths Linked to Unhygienic Drinks Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning against the consumption of unhygienic drinks following a surge in deaths attributed to contaminated beverages. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the country has recorded 53 fatalities in the past month due to the consumption of contaminated water, juices, and soft drinks. The victims, mostly children and elderly individuals, succumbed to severe dehydration, gastrointestinal infections, and other complications. Investigations conducted by the NCDC revealed that the contaminated drinks were often produced in unsanitary conditions and sold by unlicensed vendors. The beverages were found to contain high levels of bacteria, parasites, and heavy metals. “The consumption of unhygienic drinks is a serious public health hazard,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of the NCDC. “These drinks can harbor harmful microorganisms that can cause a range of illnesses, including cholera, typhoid fever, and hepatitis.” The government has urged the public to prioritize hygiene when consuming beverages. Consumers are advised to: * Purchase drinks from licensed and reputable vendors. * Look for products with proper labeling and expiration dates. * Boil or filter water before drinking it. * Avoid sugary and artificially sweetened drinks. The NCDC has also intensified surveillance efforts to identify and apprehend vendors selling contaminated drinks. The agency has vowed to prosecute anyone found violating food safety regulations. “We are determined to protect the health of Nigerians,” said Ihekweazu. “We will not tolerate the selling of harmful products that put our citizens at risk.” Health experts have called on the government to strengthen food safety regulations and invest in public health education campaigns to prevent future outbreaks. They emphasize the importance of promoting safe drinking practices and raising awareness about the dangers of consuming contaminated beverages.Nigeria Records 53 Deaths from Unhygienic Drinks The Nigerian government has issued a warning against the consumption of unhygienic drinks after 53 deaths were reported in the southwestern state of Ogun. The victims are said to have consumed a local gin known as “Ogogoro” that was contaminated with methanol, a highly toxic substance. The incident has prompted authorities to launch an investigation and crack down on the production and sale of illicit alcohol. The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Afolabi Salami, confirmed the deaths and urged residents to avoid consuming unverified drinks. He noted that the Ogogoro was purchased from an unlicensed vendor and contained a dangerous level of methanol. “We strongly advise the public to be cautious and to patronize only reputable outlets when purchasing alcoholic beverages,” Salami said. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has also stepped up its efforts to ensure the safety of food and drink products in Nigeria. The agency has intensified inspections and raids on illegal production facilities to prevent the distribution of harmful substances. “We are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for manufacturing and distributing these dangerous products,” said NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye. The government has called on citizens to report any suspected cases of unhygienic drink consumption and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any adverse reactions after drinking. The incident highlights the importance of food and drink safety in Nigeria and the dangers of consuming unregulated substances. The government and NAFDAC are urging the public to exercise vigilance and to prioritize their health and well-being.