Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has called for immediate action to address the alarming rise of skin bleaching in Nigeria and across Africa.
He made this statement at the Regional Awareness-Raising Workshop on the Elimination of Skin-Lightening Products Containing Mercury, held in Libreville, Gabon.
Dr. Salako highlighted the public health and societal risks linked to the widespread use of dangerous skin-lightening products.
Describing skin bleaching as a significant public health issue, Dr. Salako emphasized its prevalence, particularly among women, and the serious health consequences of these products.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products, making Nigeria the global leader in usage.
Dr. Salako attributed this concerning statistic to societal pressures that equate lighter skin with beauty, success, and social advancement.
He noted that while women are the main consumers, men also contribute to the trend by exerting pressure on women to lighten their skin.
The minister pointed out that many skin-lightening products contain dangerous ingredients, such as mercury, hydroquinone, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic, which pose severe health risks like skin damage, organ toxicity, cancer, and psychological effects.
He mentioned that while users, particularly university students, are aware of these dangers, the misconception that “toning” is a safer alternative continues to drive the trend.
Despite a ban on mercury-based products in Nigeria, Dr. Salako acknowledged ongoing challenges such as smuggling, online sales, and inadequate enforcement.
He urged stronger cooperation among African nations to address these issues and promote safer alternatives.
Dr. Salako also highlighted the Nigerian government’s efforts to tackle the issue, including public awareness campaigns, regulatory measures, and the creation of safety policies.
Notable actions include the 2019 regulations banning harmful substances like mercury and restricting hydroquinone concentrations to 2%.
Additionally, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been actively seizing and destroying counterfeit products and conducting market surveillance to eliminate hazardous products.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding public health, Dr. Salako emphasized the need to redefine beauty standards and celebrate diversity. He stated, “Fairer is not better,” urging people to embrace their true identities.
The workshop in Gabon marked a crucial step in regional efforts to eliminate harmful skin-lightening products and address the cultural and societal factors driving their use.
Dr. Salako announced the upcoming launch of a National Policy on Cosmetics, which will establish safety standards for cosmetic products in Nigeria, and the development of guidelines for cosmetic safety assessments to align with global standards.
The minister stressed the importance of a collaborative approach, involving dermatologists, behavioral psychologists, and community health experts, to combat skin bleaching.
He also encouraged African governments to revive cultural movements like “Black is Beautiful” to promote Afrocentric beauty standards and counteract the negative impact of colonial influences.
