FG inaugurates technical working group on cosmetics safety

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Tuesday inaugurated the National Cosmetics Safety Management Technical Working Group (NCSM-TWG) to strengthen regulation and protect public health in the cosmetics sector. Speaking at the event in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kachollom Daju, represented by her Senior Technical Assistant, Dr Dogara Okara, said the […]

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Tuesday inaugurated the National Cosmetics Safety Management Technical Working Group (NCSM-TWG) to strengthen regulation and protect public health in the cosmetics sector.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kachollom Daju, represented by her Senior Technical Assistant, Dr Dogara Okara, said the initiative reflects a growing recognition that cosmetics safety goes beyond industry regulation and is a major public health concern.

“Your presence here today reflects the shared recognition that cosmetics safety is not only a regulatory or industry concern, but a critical public health issue requiring coordinated, evidence-based, and multi-sectoral action,” she said.

She explained that the Technical Working Group was created under the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health to bring together relevant expertise and institutions to drive effective implementation.

“The establishment of this Technical Working Group under the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health is a deliberate step to bring together the right expertise, institutions, and perspectives to support effective implementation,” she added.

According to her, the inaugural meeting signals a shift from policy formulation to concrete action.

“This meeting marks the transition from policy development to practical action. It is designed to provide a common understanding of the Policy, its Implementation Strategy, and the expectations placed on this Technical Working Group, while creating a platform for collaboration and shared ownership of the work ahead,” she stated.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives, Mrs Nanlop Ogbureke, commended the Federal Ministry of Health for its leadership and the validation of the National Policy on Cosmetic Safety and Health.

“We would like to congratulate the Federal Ministry of Health, first and foremost, on its leadership. We also applaud the bold decision to go a step further by convening experts from diverse backgrounds—across ministries, agencies, academia, and development partners,” she said.

Ogbureke noted that the creation of a governance structure for cosmetics safety has strong public health and economic implications.

“The importance of establishing this governance structure cannot be overstated. This initiative positions Nigeria to set an example not only for the region but also for the international community,” she said, adding that Resolve to Save Lives remains committed to supporting the government.

Also speaking, Mr Richard Adafo of PhysioCosmetics Nigeria said industry players had been involved in the process from the early stages and stressed the importance of consumer safety and quality products.

“As an industry player, it is extremely important to us that consumers have access to the right products—products that are safe and of high quality,” he said.

He observed that regulatory standards are not applied uniformly across the cosmetics industry, which makes the new policy crucial.

“Some of us operate multinational brands and apply global regulatory principles… but this level of regulatory rigor does not apply uniformly across the entire industry. This reality underscores the importance of a policy such as this one,” Adafo said, adding that industry stakeholders look forward to its full implementation.

In her remarks, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Prince Ikenna Nsofor, said the agency has been deeply involved in the process over the years.

“At some point, it felt like a struggle—like two rivers flowing in opposite directions—but today, those rivers are flowing together,” he said.
He noted that no cosmetic product can now be imported into or manufactured in Nigeria without passing through NAFDAC’s directorate.

“From NAFDAC’s perspective, implementation has already begun,” he said, expressing confidence that the policy would not be left on the shelf like others in the past.
Nsofor also warned of the health risks posed by unsafe cosmetic products.

“The skin is the largest organ of the human body… Every time we use toothpaste, soap, lotion, or other cosmetic products, we are exposing our bodies to chemical substances. If these products are poorly formulated, the risks can be significant,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to take the initiative seriously, noting that improperly handled cosmetics could pose risks comparable to, or even greater than, pharmaceutical products.

The National Cosmetics Safety Management Technical Working Group is expected to coordinate actions, set priorities and advise the Ministry on measures to ensure the safety and quality of cosmetic products used across Nigeria.