In a recent crackdown on adulterated cosmetic products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized unregistered beauty items valued at over ₦170 million from various Abuja stores.
Along with eight beauty shops in Wuse Market, two Chinese supermarkets in Jabi District, which allegedly sold expired and unregistered products, were closed down, according to the agency in a Friday statement.
Some of the seizures included skin-whitening gummies, breast and weight-gain supplements, aphrodisiacs and herbal mixtures.
An emerging crisis
Fuelled by unrealistic beauty ideals on social media, a surfeit of unregistered bleaching products and body-enhancing capsules have flooded Nigeria’s multi-billion naira beauty industry in recent years.
Many of these products promise instantaneous results, without devastating fallouts. Most contain fatal levels of chemicals such as hydroquinone, mercury and steroids, which have been linked to permanent skin damage and life-threatening conditions.
Beyond NAFDAC’s raids
Over the years, NAFDAC has stormed numerous stores across the country in a crackdown on these hazardous products. It’s now diversifying its approach beyond seizures and closure.
The agency says it is ratcheting up public education, forming collaborations with market associations, and boosting digital-reporting channels to allow citizens to report suspicious products.
In addition, NAFDAC has intensified engagement with stakeholders in the domestic beauty industry, such as importers and manufacturers, through periodic training to foster compliance with safety and labelling standards.
What this means is that businesses—whether local or foreign—will comply with its product registration and safety guidelines before their products are introduced into the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC’s emphasis on public education is not unique. A medley of grassroots initiatives are now filling the gap in awareness. Avila Naturalle’s Be-you-tiful campaign stresses the risks of skin bleaching and encourages Nigerians to adopt healthy, natural skin-care products instead.
JARUSKINCARE and platforms like Konga Health have also joined the campaign. They promote skincare education and urge users to confirm the safety of items and only buy from reputable outlets.
The road ahead
The agency’s recent drive in consumer education and cultural reorientation showcases a strategic transition towards a sustainable cosmetic industry, one grounded in consistent enforcement, awareness and coordination.
Summary not available at this time.
