From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an American firm, Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute (TDRTI) to train Nigerians in skincare management.
The Minister, Uche Nnaji at the ceremony in Abuja said the MoU mark the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s skincare sector.
Chief Nnaji stressed that the effects of these unregulated products are alarming and calls for urgent attention.
“The rise in the use of harmful skincare products, especially those containing substances like hydroquinone and steroids, poses serious health risks to many Nigerians, particularly women. The long-term effects of these unregulated products, such as hormonal imbalances and irreversible skin damage, are alarming” the Minister added.
The Minister pledged the ministry’s commitment towards offering innovative, science-backed skincare solutions to combat these harmful practices and provide safer alternatives for Nigerians.
He explained that TDRTI, under the leadership of the renowned Dr. Edith Gibson, has spent over a decade conducting extensive research on tropical skin health, adding that with over 50,000 skin samples analyzed, TDRTI has developed cutting-edge treatments designed to address the unique skincare needs of Nigerians.
“Their AI-powered derma analysis system offers free skin evaluations conducted by certified professionals, ensuring that users have access to personalized skincare solutions without resorting to dangerous bleaching products” Nnaji noted.
“We aim to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on harmful, unregulated imports and build a safer, high-quality beauty industry.” Nnaji stated.
The Minister emphasized that this partnership would also extends beyond consumer protection.
“It will fosters local manufacturing and raises product standards through collaboration with key research institutions such as the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) and the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI). By encouraging local production” he stressed.
In her remarks the permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, said Nigerians need a sound mind and healthy skin for the development of the country.
In his presentation, the team leader of Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute, Edeth Gibson who said the group is out to train Nigerians on tropical skincare management added that it will create more opportunities for people in beauty and health industries.
“Nigerians to have the opportunity to be the first in tropical skincare. In the whole world there is no technology that addresses African skin”
“We are introducing a technology that is designed to address skincare of Africans and it will open alot of doors for opportunities in the beauty and health industry” she added.