Manny Ita –
The Federal Government has launched Nigeria’s first National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health in Calabar, a move aimed at strengthening regulation of the country’s fast-growing cosmetics market and curbing the circulation of harmful and unlabeled beauty products.
Officials said the policy is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring that cosmetics sold in Nigeria meet established health and safety standards while protecting consumers from toxic substances and counterfeit products.
The policy launch is expected to address long-standing concerns about the widespread availability of unregulated cosmetics in markets across the country, particularly products containing hazardous chemicals linked to skin damage and other health complications.
A government official at the launch said the new framework will guide the regulation, manufacturing, importation, distribution and marketing of cosmetic products across Nigeria.
“The National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health establishes clear standards for product safety, labeling, quality control and regulatory oversight to protect consumers and promote responsible industry practices,” the official said.
Authorities said the policy also seeks to strengthen the role of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in monitoring the cosmetics sector and enforcing compliance with approved safety guidelines.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, noting that Nigeria’s cosmetics industry—estimated to be worth about $1.2 billion—has experienced rapid growth in recent years but has faced persistent challenges related to counterfeit goods, poor labeling and the use of harmful substances.
A regulatory official said the new policy will help ensure that products sold to consumers undergo proper safety evaluation before reaching the market.
“This framework will improve oversight of cosmetic products and ensure that manufacturers and distributors adhere to strict safety and labeling requirements,” the official said.
The government also indicated that the policy would encourage responsible manufacturing practices while supporting legitimate businesses operating within the cosmetics industry.
Experts say the introduction of the policy could significantly improve consumer protection and boost confidence in Nigeria’s beauty and personal care market if effectively enforced.
Officials added that implementation guidelines and enforcement mechanisms will be rolled out in collaboration with regulatory agencies, manufacturers and other stakeholders in the coming months to ensure compliance across the sector.
