The Federal Government has started implementing the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health (NPCSH) at the state level.
The programme began with a stakeholder engagement in Lagos State. Officials say the policy will run for five years and aims to improve safety in Nigeria’s cosmetics industry.
The initiative seeks to reduce health risks linked to toxic substances found in some cosmetic products.
The policy is led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
According to officials, the programme will strengthen regulation of cosmetic production and distribution across the country.
It will also improve product labeling standards, increase consumer awareness about harmful cosmetics, Strengthen monitoring of cosmetic manufacturers and distributors, These steps aim to reduce the circulation of unsafe cosmetic products in Nigeria.
Several agencies and organisations are involved in the programme.
Key partners include:
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
- Federal Ministry of Environment
- Nigeria Customs Service
- Lagos State Ministry of Health
- World Health Organization
- Resolve to Save Lives
These institutions will work together to enforce safety standards and improve compliance in the cosmetics sector.
FG Promises Stronger Regulation of Cosmetic Products
Representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, the Director of the Cosmetics Safety Management Programme, Paul Okhakhu, said the government remains committed to stronger regulation.
He said the policy will guide cosmetic production and ensure that manufacturers follow national safety standards.
According to him, improved oversight will help protect consumers from harmful cosmetic ingredients.
NAFDAC Warns Against Violating Safety Guidelines
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcement.
The Head of the Cosmetics and Household Products Division, Ikenna Nsofor, who represented NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency will sanction individuals and companies that violate cosmetics safety regulations.
He stressed that strict enforcement will help eliminate unsafe products from the market.
Lagos State to Domesticate the Policy
The Lagos State government also pledged support for the initiative.
The Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Olawale Poluyi, said the state will review the policy and adopt it for local implementation.
He explained that stronger regulation will help protect residents from harmful cosmetic products.
NAFDAC Previously Seized ₦3 Billion Worth of Fake Cosmetics
In February 2026, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control uncovered a warehouse in Lagos containing banned and fake cosmetics valued at over ₦3 billion.
The agency said the warehouse was located inside the APT Trade Fair Complex and hidden within an unfinished building.
Officials recovered several products, including:
- 728 cartons of Crusader soap
- 718 cartons of E45 soap
- Extract Gold whitening soaps banned by the Federal Government
Authorities also discovered perfumes, body oils, and cooking oils during the operation.
NAFDAC evacuated the products to prevent distribution and invited the warehouse manager for investigation.
The agency warned that the sale and use of such products could pose serious health risks to consumers.
Policy Promotes Shared Responsibility
The National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health emphasises that cosmetic safety is a shared responsibility.
Regulators, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers must all play a role in ensuring safe cosmetic use.
Officials say the policy will align Nigeria’s cosmetics sector with international safety standards and reduce the spread of harmful cosmetic products.
