OGOGORO producers have warned the federal government against banning the production of their product in response to calls for it being made illegal in response to a few casualties from its consumption.

 Known locally through its various names which include ogogoro, kai-kai, push-me-I-push-you and Sapele water, the local unrefined gin has no quality controls. Earlier this month, about 15 persons were reported dead after consuming kai-kai and dog meat at an eatery in the Mini Woji area of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Following the tragedy, there have been calls for ogogoro be banned as it is a health hazard, whose production is not regulated. However, its producers have appealed through their umbrella body the Raw Gin Producers Association of Nigeria (RGPAN), for the product to be left legal.

RGPAN chairman Aritson Kroboakpo, said that native gin, whose production and consumption in Nigeria pre-dates  independence, is not injurious to health unless when adulterated. He added that fake products are not only peculiar to local gin and  promised to work with government to ensure that quacks in local production are eliminated.

 Apart from the Port Harcourt incident, there was also another tragedy in Ondo State some okada-riders collapsed after drinking ogogoro at a popular relaxation spot. Unlike conventional alcohol which is regulated, ogogoro does not have any defined standards, official list of contents or set alcohol content.