The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for stronger political and financial commitment from government authorities at all levels to ensure the effective implementation of Nigeria’s newly adopted national policy on cosmetics safety.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, WHO praised Nigeria for approving its first national policy on cosmetics safety and health after nearly two decades of stalled efforts.
The policy introduces three key areas of action, including improved regulatory oversight and governance to ensure cosmetic products meet safety and quality standards, the establishment of a national cosmetics vigilance and health intelligence system, and the strengthening of the cosmetics value chain to promote safer manufacturing and responsible trade.
According to WHO, the measures are expected to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, decrease cosmetic-related health complications, and boost consumer confidence in the industry.
The policy was launched during the 66th National Council on Health meeting in Calabar and provides a framework to regulate how cosmetic products are manufactured, imported, sold, used, and disposed of across the country.
The initiative aligns with major government health priorities, including the National Strategic Health Development Plan II, the National Chemical Safety Policy, and the National Environmental Health Action Plan. It also supports the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and strengthens the country’s commitments under international health regulations.
WHO said the policy would improve regulation and surveillance within the cosmetics sector, helping to protect consumers while supporting economic diversification and industry growth. Implementation will extend across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The organisation noted that cosmetics are widely used in Nigeria, but many consumers remain unaware of the ingredients in the products they apply.
A shop attendant in Kano State, Amina Yusuf, recounted developing skin irritation after using a product marketed as a “natural toning oil.” She said she initially assumed the product was safe because it was labelled organic but later experienced increased skin sensitivity and delayed healing of small cuts.
In another case, community members in Kura Local Government Area described how some traders repackage creams without labels, leading to health issues such as rashes among users. An expectant mother in Kano, Gloria Okafor, also learned during an antenatal visit that a stretch-mark cream she had been using might have contained heavy metals.
WHO said these experiences reflect broader challenges such as limited consumer awareness, informal distribution networks, and economic pressures that encourage the sale of unregulated cosmetic products.
Nigeria’s cosmetics industry has grown significantly, with a market value exceeding 7.8 billion dollars. Globally, the cosmetics market is valued at over 429 billion dollars, presenting both economic opportunities and regulatory challenges, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
Since 2022, nearly 9,000 cosmetic products have been registered under national regulatory requirements supervised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). However, studies have raised concerns about the presence of harmful substances in some products.
Research conducted in Anambra State found lead contamination in 62 percent of tested cosmetic products, with levels exceeding WHO safety limits. Other investigations in Ibadan and Lagos also detected cadmium, lead, and nickel above international safety standards in certain personal care products.
WHO said exposure to such chemicals can cause serious health problems, including kidney damage, skin conditions, and pregnancy-related complications.
Market surveillance in Kano’s Kurmi Market has also revealed cases of mislabelling and repackaging of cosmetic products. According to a NAFDAC official, some products are deliberately labelled to avoid suspicion, even though laboratory tests later show restricted substances.
The development of the policy followed years of collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NAFDAC, the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, state governments, civil society organisations, and industry stakeholders.
WHO said it provided technical guidance, supported evidence reviews, facilitated stakeholder consultations, and helped strengthen surveillance and reporting systems to ensure the policy’s successful adoption.