From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Wale Majolagbe, Executive Director of Operations and Finance at Nigeria Distilleries Limited (NDL), has revealed that the company introduced anti-counterfeit measures in some products to combat makers of adulterated spirits.
He said these fakes threaten public health and damage NDL’s reputation for quality and integrity, which has been built over six decades.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Distributor Conference and the unveiling of Encore Herbal Aromatic Liquor in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Majolagbe outlined steps taken, including fitting “guala caps” on spirit bottles and rebranding flagship products. “Fake drinks are more common than fake drugs in Nigeria,” he said. “Their widespread consumption poses a serious health risk.”
Majolagbe expressed confidence that these innovations would deter counterfeiters. “Since last year, we’ve changed the look of some brands to make it hard for fakers to copy them,” he said. “Their profits come from exploiting our brand equity in the market.”
The Distributor Conference, themed “Stronger Together, Thriving in 2025”, aimed to strengthen ties with NDL’s distributors nationwide for a prosperous year. Majolagbe noted a decline in NDL’s 2024 performance due to an unfavourable business environment, but remained optimistic about 2025. “Last year was tough for Nigerian manufacturers,” he said. “With better government policies and an improved business climate, we expect growth.”
Adekunle Rosiji, NDL’s Managing Director, emphasised the importance of distributor relationships. “For 2025, … we’re partners through thick and thin,” he said. “Doing business is about… commitment, integrity, and transparency, … not just money.”
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