Senate gives directive to regulate bleaching cream distribution, marketing

THE Senate has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to regulate the importation, formulation, and sale of cosmetics in Nigeria.

The Nigerian senators on Tuesday, February 16, passed a resolution to ensure that the formulation and distribution of cosmetics, especially bleaching cream, was regulated.

Raising the motion during plenary, Senator Remi Tinubu called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to wake up to its responsibility to protect Nigerians against harmful cosmetics.

The Senator raised concern over the rising number of small and medium enterprises and businesses that have pushed beauty products into the Nigerian cosmetics market without proper regulation of their production process.

She worried that the skin lightening products do not indicate their ingredients nor expiry dates to guide users.

“The Senate is worried that it is impossible to determine that hygiene, quality assurance and good manufacturing practices are adhered to in the formulation of these products,” she said, noting that side effects of such cosmetic products can be damaging,  hence, the need for market regulation for the protection of Nigerians.

The motion was seconded by Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, who reaffirmed that bleaching cream is especially damaging to the skin and should be regulated for the safety of Nigerian consumers.

He added that the advertisers of the products should not be left out of the regulation by the relevant regulatory agency as consumers will probably believe whatever they see on adverts.

Also, Senator Barau Jibrin opined that improper manufacturing of the cosmetics products can be harmful to Nigeria consumers, stressing that NAFDAC must ensure that the products meet accepted standard.

“Those who fail to go in line with the established regulations, the full weight of the law must be brought to bear on them. We must make sure that we protect our people,” he said.

The Senators mandated the Senate Committee on Health to investigate the customary process for certification on quality and safety of cosmetics, and proffer a solution to ensure accountability.

They lawmakers also directed NAFDAC to regulate importation, formulation and sale of cosmetics within Nigeria, and maintain a database containing products, name and address of manufacturers, and a list of ingredients.

NAFDAC was also directed to begin a campaign to sensitize and create awareness on the effects of harmful substances, and work with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) towards ensuring consumer injury tracking.