The Kwara government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, has intensified efforts to address gaps in cosmetic safety and health through the development of a robust implementation plan.

Speaking at a two-day stakeholders’ engagement in Ilorin, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, emphasised the importance of safeguarding public health against the dangers posed by unregulated cosmetic products.

The commissioner decried the widespread production and use of unregistered cosmetics, particularly in local communities, stressing that this poses serious health risks to consumers.

According to her, many products manufactured without adherence to safety standards expose users to harmful substances that can damage the skin and internal organs.

Ms El-Imam reiterated the state government’s commitment to aligning with the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health, recently launched at the National Council on Health meeting.

She described Kwara as an important hub in the cosmetics value chain, “making it critical to implement effective regulatory measures”.

The commissioner further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among regulatory agencies, increased public awareness, and improved access to testing facilities.

“Cosmetic products must meet required standards, which will protect consumers and also promote responsible production practices,” she said.

Also speaking, Paul Okhakhu, Director of the Cosmetics Safety Management Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, said that the increasing incidence of health challenges linked to improperly formulated cosmetic products has become a serious public health concern.

He explained that these challenges, often referred to as adverse cosmetic events, have continued to feature prominently in research findings and, in some instances, are approaching epidemic proportions.

Mr Okhakhu noted that the development of the National Policy on Cosmetics Safety and Health was a deliberate response to this trend.

“The policy helps in providing a comprehensive framework to guide the safe formulation, production, and use of cosmetic products.

“Nearly everyone uses one form of cosmetic product daily, thereby underscoring the importance of proper regulation,” he said.

The director warned that without clear guidelines and standards, consumers remain at risk of adverse health effects.

Mr Okhakhu reiterated the federal government’s commitment to addressing the issue, noting that concerns over adverse cosmetics continue to drive national attention and action.

(NAN)