Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has commenced the state-level implementation of the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health (NPCSH), starting with a stakeholder engagement in Lagos State.
The five-year policy aims to sanitise the cosmetics industry and address rising health risks linked to toxic substances in certain cosmetic products. Officials say it will strengthen the regulation of cosmetic production and distribution, improve product labeling, and increase public awareness about potential health dangers from unsafe products.
The initiative involves collaboration between several government agencies and partners, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Resolve to Save Lives, and the World Health Organisation.
Representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, Paul Okhakhu, Director of the Cosmetics Safety Management Programme, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing strong regulations to guide cosmetic production and ensure compliance nationwide.
Ikenna Nsofor, Head of the Cosmetics and Household Products Division at NAFDAC, representing the agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, stressed that individuals and companies violating cosmetics safety guidelines would face sanctions.
From the Lagos State Government, Dr. Olawale Poluyi, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, representing the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dayo Olajide, noted that the state would review the policy to domesticate and implement it locally.
The NPCSH underscores that cosmetics safety is a shared responsibility among regulators, manufacturers, and consumers. It is expected to align Nigeria’s cosmetics sector with international best practices, enhance regulatory coordination, and reduce health risks from unsafe products.
This move follows a February 2026 NAFDAC operation that uncovered a warehouse in Lagos stocked with banned, substandard, and unregistered cosmetics valued at over ₦3 billion. The seizure included 728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, Extract Gold whitening soaps, assorted perfumes, body oils, and cooking oils. The products were stored in an unfinished building at the APT Trade Fair Complex.
NAFDAC said all seized items were evacuated to prevent distribution, and the warehouse manager has been invited for further investigation. The agency also warned that the sale and use of such products pose serious health risks.
