Rising Health Risks: FG Moves To Tackle Toxic Cosmetics
From skin-lightening creams to everyday beauty products, what Nigerians apply to their bodies is increasingly becoming a silent public health threat, and the Federal Government is now stepping in to stop it.
In a decisive move, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with development partners, has inaugurated the National Cosmetics Safety Management Technical Working Group (NCSM-TWG) to curb the rising health risks associated with unsafe cosmetic products in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja, officials said the new Technical Working Group marks a shift from policy to action, aimed at tightening regulation and protecting Nigerians from harmful substances found in some cosmetics, including heavy metals and toxic chemicals linked to skin damage, hormonal disruption, kidney failure and cancer.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by her Senior Technical Assistant, Dr Dogara Okara, said unsafe cosmetics have become one of the most overlooked public health threats, stressing that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s renewed resolve to safeguard citizens.
The group will drive implementation of the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health, approved in November 2025, and is expected to coordinate nationwide efforts, strengthen enforcement, and align Nigeria with global best practices.
Chairman of the Technical Working Group, Dr Paul Okhakhu, said the absence of a coordinated framework in the past allowed substandard products to flood the market.
He added that Nigerians should expect stronger regulation, improved labelling and safer cosmetic products between 2026 and 2030.
NAFDAC also confirmed that implementation has already begun, warning that no cosmetic product, imported or locally made, will be allowed into the market without proper regulatory clearance.
Development partners, including the World Health Organisation and Resolve to Save Lives, described the policy as a landmark step that protects public health while strengthening Nigeria’s cosmetics industry.
With the new Technical Working Group in place, the Federal Government says Nigeria is now better positioned to block harmful products and protect consumers through coordinated, evidence-based regulation.
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