The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health by embarking on a programme to sanitize the cosmetics industry and eliminate substandard and potentially harmful beauty products from circulation, officials said on Monday, February 3, 2026.
The initiative responds to a growing concern over unsafe cosmetics that pose health risks to consumers nationwide.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja, where representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and regulatory agencies emphasised the need to tighten oversight in the cosmetics sector.
Government sources said the initiative will involve stricter enforcement of product registration, quality controls, and coordinated regulatory actions to ensure that all cosmetics available in Nigeria meet approved safety standards.
Officials explained that the surge in circulation of unregistered, expired or unsafe cosmetic products has raised serious public health concerns. Experts cite risks such as allergic reactions, skin damage and long-term effects from toxic chemicals in counterfeit or poorly regulated beauty products.
Regulators have noted that the presence of hazardous substances that is sometimes hidden in cosmetics sold in informal markets, underscores the importance of stronger industry oversight.
This government effort builds on existing legal frameworks under the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which is empowered to regulate cosmetics, food, drugs and other consumer products.
NAFDAC regulations require that cosmetic products be registered and approved before manufacture, importation, sale or use in Nigeria, and they prohibit products containing harmful substances that can threaten consumers’ health.
The sanitisation strategy outlined by government officials includes:
- Strengthened enforcement of product registration and compliance with safety standards.
- Increased surveillance and inspections of markets, stores, and distribution channels.
- Enhanced partnerships among regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC, customs authorities, and law enforcement, to stop the importation and sale of unsafe cosmetics.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the risks of unregistered or counterfeit beauty products and how to identify safe alternatives.
The move also anticipates leveraging recent government actions against illegal products, including the sealing of outlets found selling unregistered cosmetics and harmful goods, as part of broader consumer protection efforts across sectors.
Nigeria’s cosmetics and personal care market has expanded rapidly, driven by rising urban incomes, youthful consumers and increased demand for beauty and self-care products. However, this growth has also attracted a flood of counterfeit and unverified products, particularly in informal retail sectors.
Analysts say stronger regulatory action could improve consumer confidence, level the playing field for compliant businesses and enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a safe market for domestic and international brands.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in cosmetics manufacturing and distribution, clear standards and enforcement can reduce the risk of unfair competition from substandard imports and help build consumer trust.
Urban retailers and beauty sector stakeholders have generally welcomed the government’s focus on safety, noting that a transparent regulatory environment supports sustainable business growth.
The Federal Government’s plan to sanitize the cosmetics industry reflects a growing priority on public health and consumer protection.
By tightening regulatory oversight, enhancing enforcement and educating consumers, authorities aim to curb the circulation of unsafe beauty products while promoting a safer and more competitive market environment.
