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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in partnership with Resolve to Save Lives and the World Health Organisation, has flagged off a four-day state engagement on cosmetics safety policy and its implementation plan in Nasarawa State, with a strong call for stricter regulation to curb the influx of substandard products.
The programme, held from April 13 to 16 at Paradise Hotel, Lafia, brought together key stakeholders across regulatory agencies, health institutions and industry players to address gaps in cosmetics safety and chart a roadmap for implementation at the state level.
Speaking at the event, the Director in charge of the Cosmetics Safety Management Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Okhakhu Paul said the engagement was aimed at identifying state-specific gaps and strengthening measures to safeguard public health.
“We are in Nasarawa State to look at the peculiar gaps, problems and issues relating to cosmetics safety. Our interest is the safety of users and producers of cosmetic products,” he said.
He explained that although a national policy exists to regulate cosmetics, gaps in enforcement and compliance have led to rising cases of adverse cosmetic events across the country.
“People use one form of cosmetic product or the other and come down with adverse cosmetic events. Complaints are coming to government on what is being done to protect Nigerians,” he stated.
Paul expressed concern over the influx of unregulated products through porous borders, stressing the need for coordinated action among agencies.
“If cosmetic products come in unchecked, the Customs and port health services, including NAFDAC, must work together to prevent infiltration. That is why we have assembled stakeholders here to nip the problem in the bud,” he added.
He noted that the policy must be domesticated at the state level, with a clear action plan and funding framework to ensure effective implementation.
“The state is expected to adapt the policy and develop an action plan that reflects its peculiarities. Funding is critical, and while partners and donors are supporting, the bulk of responsibility lies with the state government,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Christopher Ishaleku, noted that gaps in existing regulatory frameworks had previously hindered effective control of cosmetics production and use in the state.
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“Before now, there were regulations guiding the production, distribution and usage of cosmetics in the state, but gaps in the system made effective control difficult. Everybody was operating on their own,” he said.
He, however, expressed optimism that the new policy would bring order and improve standards.
“Now that we have a policy, we will bring manufacturers together and ensure they follow due process. Nobody will just wake up, mix substances and claim to have produced cosmetics. There must be regulatory compliance to protect public health,” he added.
Ishaleku emphasized that the state would collaborate with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce standards while focusing on sensitization and data gathering.
“Our role is to provide information on registered producers and support sensitization, while NAFDAC handles enforcement. We will also ensure producers use safe raw materials free from harmful substances,” he said.
On its part, NAFDAC reaffirmed its readiness to implement the policy, noting that the agency has been adapting to emerging challenges, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas.
A Chief Regulatory Officer of the agency, Abdullahi Adamu Mako said Nasarawa’s growing population, especially in Karu axis, presents unique regulatory challenges.
“Nasarawa is evolving rapidly in terms of urbanization, particularly in Karu, which is like a mini Lagos. That is why we established additional operational presence in Maraba to strengthen coverage,” the officer said.
He added that the agency has intensified public awareness campaigns through community outreach and partnerships.
“We go to markets, churches, mosques and schools to enlighten people. We are also collaborating with youth corps members to reach more communities through drug-free clubs,” he said.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, the official declared: “We are willing, ready and able to execute whatever is required to implement this policy.”
The Sun Reports that Stakeholders at the event stressed the need for sustained awareness, improved funding and inter-agency collaboration to tackle the menace of substandard cosmetics and ensure consumer safety across the state.
