Can you drink alcohol in Nigeria?

Ask Cooking QuestionsCategory: Nigerian cookingCan you drink alcohol in Nigeria?
Tracy Brian asked 4 years ago

Can you drink alcohol in Nigeria? I am just curious, is it legal to have a bottle of champagne or any other alcoholic drink in Nigeria, whether you are a citizen or a foreigner.

5 Answers
Eva answered 4 years ago

My answer is yes.
   Alcohol can be taken in Nigeria and i think it is legalized because Nigerian stores are allowed to sell alcohol even in some cases they even import some alcoholic drinks.
   I think the only thing that is not allowed in Nigeria is been drunk i mean the abuse of alcohol.
   Some people abuse the intake of alcohol because it is allowed in Nigeria shops, they take excess bottles in the name of Highness, celebrations, peer group influence etc. and leads to drunkenness, and drunkenness sometimes leads to misbehavior and when misbehavior comes in Nigeria force may come.
 So as a foreigner or citizen you can take alcohol because it is legalized but you have to take it in moderation to avoid embarrassment

Chris answered 4 years ago

There are lots of alcoholic drinks that are produced and sold in Nigerian so Nigerian are permitted to drink alcohols as long as you are up to the age.

The legal age for alcohol is 18 years in Nigeria. This however is only enshrined in our constitution, we still have to deal with underage drunks in Nigeria on daily basis.

Flint answered 4 years ago

If you are asking whether you can drink alcohol in Nigeria? well, I would say yes! Nigeria is a free nation… just like America, you can do whatever you like as long as you are not around the Northern communities where certain rules are forcibly installed because of the Islamic presence.

I think the drinking age is 21, so if you are above 21, you go ahead and grab yourself some cretes of beer :D.

However, I have a somewhat contrary view to the whole alcohol thing.

Alcohol intake in Nigeria is based on ones personal believe, lifestyle and decision. Most people take alcohol for relaxation, work, sickness and hobby. Alcohol intake in small quantity may be medically correct. But excess in take of alcohol is dangerous as it destroys ones internal organs and may render one useless and poor.

Therefore it is legal to take alcohol in Nigeria but illegal to cause nuisance as a result of it’s high intake

Chef Chidi Staff answered 4 years ago

[h3]Can you drink alcohol in Nigeria?[/h3]

The answer is a resounding yes, Nigeria is a democratic nation and we are legally permitted to have a glass or two. However, legality does not connote morality. That it is legally right does not mean that it is morally sound.

We are not ignorance of the dividends offered by alcohol. Story abound of men who have gotten into myriads of trouble in their drunken state, alot have spilled secrets, killed and gotten killed under the influence of alcohol.

But of course, you can drink alcohol in Nigeria, except you are a Christian, in that case, you will be contradicting the scriptures. But if you are not a christian, you can go ahead, however, you must drink responsibly and also take responsibility for your actions thereafter. 😀

[h3]What is the drinking age in Nigeria?[/h3]

The drinking age in several countries of the world is 21. Notwithstanding, we have cases where the underage are involved with alcohol. One of the intrinsic nature of alcohol is that the people that get involved with it are always prone to be addicted to it.

What is the fine or penalty for underage drinking in Nigeria?

If you are under the age of 21 and you are found with alcohol you get
3-month suspension of driving license and other penalties that could include imprisonment for up to 6 months and fine.

If you provide alcohol for any person under the age of 21 you will be fined and could go away for up to one year for a misdemeanor offense. Felony offense can result in a prison sentence of one year accompanied by severe fine.

[h3]Can I drink and Drive?[/h3]

Well, you cannot drink and drive in Nigeria or in any country whatsoever, the implication is that when you drink and drive, you are not just engendering your life but the lives of other road users.

Alcohol tends to mess up the mind and trigger dominant emotion, you want to be in the best state of mind before you drive.

The penalty for drunk – driving is up to 6 months imprisonment and fine of about hundred thousand Naira in several countries of the world, Nigeria not being an exception.

Chizobafrances answered 4 years ago

You can have any alcoholic drink of your choice, whether as a foreigner or a citizen in Nigeria. It doesn’t matter your nationality or ethnicity. 

As long as you are eighteen years and above,  you are eligible to buy and consume any alcoholic drink of your choice. There are certain places you are allowed to drink :

1) Bar 
A bar is a place where drink, and sometimes, light meals are sold to customers. Some bars open for 24 hours, 7 days a week. Other bars open only at Night. 

2) Pub 
A pub is a place where beverages,  especially alcoholic beverages are sold. Some pubs have very strict policies before they sell off any alcoholic beverages, such as displaying any valid I.D. Card, driver’s license, etc,  before any drink is sold. 

3) Clubs 
A night club is one of your best bets when it comes to buying and consuming alcohol.
 
4) Public gatherings 
You can drink alcohol in any public gathering you attend, as far as it is being served and accepted as a means of refreshment by members of the group. You don’t expect to drink alcohol in a religious gathering.

Whatever you do, you have to drink responsibly. Don’t do anything stupid under the influence of alcohol.