Lagos State Government has unveiled a policy aimed at improving the safety of cosmetic products and procedures in the state as part of efforts to protect residents from harmful or unregulated beauty products.
Gatekeepers News reports that the policy, known as the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health implementation plan, was presented during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health. The meeting marked the conclusion of a four-day consultation involving regulators, industry professionals, and health experts to address safety issues in the cosmetics sector.
Speaking at the event, Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the Governor on health, said the initiative became more urgent following a recent cosmetic surgery-related death in Lagos, which is currently being investigated by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency.
“This engagement could not have come at a better time,” she said, noting that patient safety remains a priority for the state government.
Ogunyemi added that the policy would regulate the entire cosmetics value chain, including manufacturers, suppliers, training institutions, and health facilities involved in cosmetic procedures. The state government also pledged to ensure that the guidelines are effectively implemented across the sector.
Paul Okhakhu, director of cosmetics safety at the federal ministry of health and social welfare, said the policy was introduced following growing concerns about health complications linked to adulterated or poorly formulated beauty products.
According to him, authorities have recorded several cases of adverse reactions caused by substandard cosmetics, prompting the government to strengthen regulation and oversight.
The policy is expected to guide regulatory actions, support the development of state-specific safety plans, and ensure closer collaboration among agencies responsible for monitoring cosmetic products.
Officials also noted that Lagos was selected for early engagement because of its position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a major centre for cosmetics production, importation, and sales.
The development comes weeks after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered a warehouse in Lagos stocked with banned and unregistered cosmetic products worth over N3 billion.
Authorities say the new policy will help curb the circulation of unsafe cosmetic products, strengthen enforcement, and improve public awareness about the health risks associated with unregulated beauty items.
