The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians from the dangers of unsafe cosmetic products with the launch of the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health in Abuja.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said the policy was designed to tackle the growing public health risks posed by the influx of substandard and harmful cosmetic products in Nigeria’s expanding beauty and personal care industry.
Represented by her Senior Technical Assistant, Dogara Okara, Kachollom said the government’s intervention became necessary following the increasing circulation of unsafe cosmetics across the country, many of which contain toxic ingredients with devastating health consequences.
“Unsafe cosmetics remain one of the greatest threats to public health in the 21st century, with effects ranging from skin diseases to cancer, hormonal disorders, and kidney damage,” she warned.
She explained that many beauty products in circulation contain hazardous substances such as formaldehyde and heavy metals, which can cause long-term damage to vital organs.
According to her, the new policy provides a legal and institutional framework for the regulation and management of cosmetic safety in Nigeria. It also establishes the National Cosmetics Safety Management Technical Working Group, which will oversee the enforcement of safety standards.
“This policy ensures that all cosmetics manufactured, imported, distributed, or used in Nigeria meet approved safety standards and align with global best practices,” Kachollom stated.
She emphasised that the initiative underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring that every cosmetic product available in the Nigerian market is safe, properly regulated, and contributes to the overall well-being of citizens.
