Nigeria has taken a major step toward protecting consumers from harmful beauty products, as the country adopts its first national policy on cosmetics safety and health—a move the World Health Organisation (WHO) has strongly welcomed.
In a statement on Wednesday, WHO praised the approval of the policy after nearly two decades of stalled attempts, describing it as a critical move to strengthen regulation and public health protection in Nigeria’s growing cosmetics industry.
The new policy focuses on three key areas:
- Stronger regulation and oversight to ensure all cosmetic products meet safety and quality standards.
- Cosmetics vigilance and early warning systems to quickly detect harmful products and protect consumers.
- A safer cosmetics value chain, supporting responsible manufacturing and trade while boosting local industries.
The policy was officially launched during the 66th National Council on Health meeting in Calabar and will regulate how cosmetics are produced, imported, sold, used and disposed of across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
Health experts say the reforms could help reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals, prevent cosmetic-related health complications and improve consumer confidence.
The move comes amid growing concerns over unsafe products in Nigeria’s booming cosmetics market—now valued at over $7.8 billion. Studies have found high levels of lead, cadmium and other toxic substances in some products, which can cause skin damage, kidney problems and pregnancy complications.
WHO also highlighted widespread challenges such as mislabelled products, informal distribution and low consumer awareness, especially in local markets where unregulated creams are often repackaged without proper labels.
With improved surveillance, enforcement and public awareness, health authorities say the new policy will strengthen consumer protection, support safer manufacturing and boost Nigeria’s health security.
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