Nigeria’s wine industry is stepping up efforts to clamp down on fake and substandard products amid concerns about public health, eroding consumer confidence, and declining government revenue.

Speaking at a wine-tasting event in Lagos, Chinedu Rita Rosa—Founder of Vines by Rosa and Africa’s first Black female wine consultant—said the renewed push is designed to guarantee that Nigerians have access to authentic, high-quality wines at fair prices.

Rosa, who has 26 years of experience in wine importing, distribution, and education, stressed that transparency must be prioritised across the supply chain.

“We introduce you to our importers, our distributors, the restaurants and the hotels that carry our wine so you can be confident no one is selling fake wine to you,” she said.

She noted that consumer education remains one of the strongest tools against counterfeits, adding that many buyers struggle to differentiate between authentic labels and imitations.

“Go online. Check what you are buying and where it’s coming from—the winery and the people behind it,” she advised.

Beyond safeguarding quality, Rosa highlighted the economic implications of counterfeit products. Each bottle of legitimate wine, she explained, contributes to government revenue through taxes and customs duties.

She further warned that fake or poorly produced wines pose serious health risks.

“We don’t want people drinking substandard wines and falling sick. The worst thing a country can have is a sick population—it affects GDP,” she said.

Although Nigeria does not produce wine locally, Rosa said its large consumer base and high levels of wine imports make strong regulation essential. “On every wine bottle opened, there are taxes. The government is making a lot of revenue,” she added.

Roberto Cardinale, export manager for Settecani and Fina wineries, noted a rising appreciation for wine in Nigeria, driven in part by Nigerians who have lived or travelled abroad.

“The appreciation is growing, and the volume of wine consumed is increasing. Nigerians want to experience the same quality they enjoy overseas,” he said.

Stakeholders say the strengthened standards will help protect consumers, support honest businesses, and reinforce Nigeria’s expanding presence in the global wine market.