Nigeria has adopted its first national policy on cosmetics safety and health, marking a major step to tighten oversight of products used daily by millions of consumers across the country.
The policy, approved at the 66th National Council on Health in Calabar, creates a national framework for regulating how cosmetic products are manufactured, imported, sold, used and disposed of. It is expected to be implemented across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The move comes amid growing concern over the health risks linked to unsafe cosmetics in Nigeria’s expanding beauty and personal care market. Government and partner agencies say stronger regulation is needed to tackle the circulation of substandard and unlabelled products, especially in informal markets where traceability remains weak.
According to the World Health Organization, the policy aligns with Nigeria’s wider health, chemical safety and environmental goals, while also supporting the country’s obligations under international health and mercury control frameworks. Authorities say it will improve consumer protection, strengthen surveillance and support safer trade in the cosmetics value chain.
The policy introduces three major pillars: stronger regulatory oversight, a cosmetics vigilance system to detect harmful products earlier, and measures to improve safety across manufacturing and distribution. Officials say the framework will also help local producers compete more safely within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The push follows mounting evidence of toxic substances in some cosmetic products sold in Nigeria. Health authorities have repeatedly warned that exposure to hazardous chemicals in personal care items can lead to skin damage, kidney complications and other long-term health risks, including during pregnancy.
The policy was developed with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NAFDAC, state governments, the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, WHO and Resolve to Save Lives. The government says implementation will now focus on enforcement, consumer awareness and stronger monitoring systems nationwide.
