The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has commenced the state-level implementation of the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health (NPCSH), beginning with a stakeholder engagement in Lagos State.
The policy, which will be implemented over a five-year period, aims to sanitise Nigeria’s cosmetics industry and address growing health concerns linked to toxic substances found in some cosmetic products.
Officials say the initiative will strengthen the regulation of cosmetic production and distribution, improve product labeling, and raise public awareness about the health risks associated with unsafe cosmetics.
The programme brings together several government agencies and development 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 (WHO).
Representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, the Director of the Cosmetics Safety Management Programme at the ministry, Paul Okhakhu, said the Federal Government is committed to establishing robust regulations to guide cosmetic production and ensure nationwide compliance.
Also speaking, the Head of the Cosmetics and Household Products Division at NAFDAC, Ikenna Nsofor, representing the agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye reaffirmed the regulator’s determination to sanction individuals and companies that violate cosmetics safety standards.
On behalf of the Lagos State Government, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olawale Poluyi, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Dr Dayo Olajide, said the state would review the policy with a view to domesticating and implementing it.
The National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health emphasises that ensuring cosmetics safety is a shared responsibility among regulators, manufacturers, and consumers.
Authorities say the policy is expected to align Nigeria’s cosmetics sector with international best practices, strengthen regulatory coordination, and reduce health risks associated with unsafe cosmetic products.
The initiative comes amid recent enforcement actions by NAFDAC against the circulation of illegal cosmetic products.
In February 2026, the agency said it uncovered a warehouse in Lagos stocked with banned, substandard, and unregistered cosmetic products valued at more than ₦3 billion.
In a statement posted on its X platform, NAFDAC said the products were discovered at the APT Trade Fair Complex inside an uncompleted building.
Items recovered included 728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, and Extract Gold whitening soaps, which are among products banned by the Federal Government.
The agency added that assorted perfumes, body oils, and cooking oils were also discovered and placed on hold for further regulatory assessment.
According to NAFDAC, all seized products have been evacuated to prevent distribution, while the warehouse manager has been invited for questioning as investigations continue.
The agency warned that the sale and use of such products pose serious health risks to consumers.
