The Federal Government is considering a national policy on cosmetics to address the growing concern of skin bleaching in Nigeria.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, shared this update during a regional workshop in Gabon focused on eliminating skin-lightening products containing mercury and other harmful substances.
According to a statement from the ministry, guidelines for assessing cosmetic product safety are being prepared. These guidelines enhance regulatory oversight and ensure all products meet international safety standards.
Dr. Salako highlighted Nigeria’s alarming reputation as the “world capital of skin bleaching,” citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report stating that 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products—the highest rate globally.
This reflects societal and cultural preferences for lighter skin tones in the country.
Despite widespread awareness of the harmful effects, the minister noted that skin-lightening products—such as creams, soaps, pills, and injections—remain popular, especially in Africa. The WHO has classified this issue as a public health crisis needing urgent intervention.
Dr. Salako also emphasized that men use these products and often influence women to lighten their skin, making it essential for awareness campaigns to include men.
He called for African nations to develop policies that establish standards and guide the production, importation, and sale of cosmetics.
The federal government, he added, is actively working to promote safe cosmetic use, free from dangerous substances like mercury and hydroquinone.
