WHO, in a statement on Wednesday lauded Nigeria for approving its first national policy on cosmetics safety and health after nearly two decades of stalled attempts.

“The new policy introduces three main areas of action: regulatory oversight and governance – A unified national system will ensure all cosmetic products meet safety and quality standards and improve coordination across agencies.

“ Cosmetics vigilance and health intelligence – A national early warning system will help detect harmful products faster and support quicker public health responses.

“Strengthening the cosmetics value chain – The policy supports safer manufacturing and responsible trade. It also aligns with African Continental Free Trade Area opportunities, helping local industries grow while protecting workers and consumers.

“These changes are expected to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, lower the number of cosmetic related health complications and improve consumer confidence.”

According to the statement, the policy was launched at the Sixty sixth National Council on Health in Calabar and it establishes a clear system to regulate how cosmetic products are manufactured, imported, sold, used and disposed of.

The new policy supports major government priorities. It aligns with the National Strategic Health Development Plan II, the National Chemical Safety Policy and the National Environmental Health Action Plan.

It also advances the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and strengthens the country’s commitments under the International Health Regulations and the Minamata.

By improving regulation and surveillance, the UN health agency stated that the policy strengthens health security, protects consumers and supports economic diversification.

It also responds to state level priorities, since implementation will take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Cosmetics are part of daily life for millions of Nigerians, but many people do not know what is inside the products they use, the statement quoted Amina Yusuf, a shop attendant in Tarauni local government area, Kano State as saying, adding that she developed skin irritation after using a product sold as a “natural toning oil”.

“I thought it was safe because it was called organic,” Yusuf said. “But my skin became sensitive, and small cuts took longer to heal.”

A health worker later explained that the product could have contained harmful chemicals.

In Kura local government area, community members described how some traders repackage creams without labels.

One resident said a neighbour developed rashes after using a mixture bought at a weekly market. “People buy what they can afford,” she said.

“Most of us do not have access to formally regulated shops.”

In Sabon Gari market, Kano State, an expectant mother, Gloria Okafor, learned during an antenatal visit that a cream she used to remove stretch marks might have contained heavy metals.

“I was careful with food and medicine during pregnancy,” Okafor said. “I never imagined body cream could be a risk.”

It stated that these experiences reflected wider challenges: limited consumer awareness, informal distribution systems and economic pressures that make unregulated products common.

Recent national and global assessments highlight both the scale and the safety concerns within Nigeria’s cosmetics sector.

Nigeria’s cosmetics industry has grown into a dynamic and increasingly sophisticated sector, with a market valuation exceeding 7.8 billion dollars.

Globally, the cosmetics market is valued at over 429.2 billion dollars, presenting both economic opportunity and regulatory challenges, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria.

Since 2022, Nigeria has registered close to 9, 000 cosmetic products that meet national regulatory requirements under the oversight of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, reflecting strengthened compliance efforts.

However, toxicological evidence remains concerning. Globally, over 100 known carcinogens and at least 15 endocrine disrupting chemicals have been identified in cosmetic formulations².

In Nigeria, a study conducted in Anambra State found lead contamination in 62 per cent of tested cosmetic products, with concentrations ranging from 0.10 to 42.12 mg/kg⁴ (exceeding the World Health Organisation permissible limit of 10 mg/kg).

Additional investigations in Ibadan and Lagos confirmed cadmium, lead and nickel levels above international safety limits in personal care products.

These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, consumer awareness and enforcement to protect public health.

WHO further stated that studies in Nigeria had found high levels of lead, cadmium and other harmful substances in some cosmetic products.

These chemicals can cause kidney problems, skin damage and complications during pregnancy.

Market surveillance efforts in Kurmi market, Kano Municipal local government area, reveal widespread mislabelling and repackaging practices.

According to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control officer Audu Tanimu, “Some products are intentionally labelled to avoid suspicion, but laboratory testing shows restricted substances. Enforcement efforts are ongoing, yet informal supply chains continue to complicate traceability.”

After years of Nigeria’s vision to develop a cosmetic policy, WHO worked with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, state governments, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), civil society and industry groups in 2025 to turn this into reality.

It provided technical guidance, reviewed evidence, supported meetings with partners and helped strengthen surveillance and reporting systems.

This support built on years of collaboration to improve chemical safety and International Health Regulations core capacities.

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Speaking during the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the policy would regulate production, sales of pharmaceuticals, and allow Nigerians access to quality-assured medicines.

Represented by Olubumi Aribeana, the Director, Food and Drug Services, at the ministry, Pate said it was geared towards modernising the healthcare delivery, and allow Nigerians access to affordable medicine, no matter where they live.

According to the minister, though the rise of digital platforms has transformed nearly every sector of the nation’s economy, the pharmaceutical space has remained largely fragmented with limited oversight of online medicine sales.

He said that the free hand access in the pharmaceutical sector had created dangerous gaps, where substandard and falsified medicines, unlicensed vendors, and misinformation thrived.

“Today marks a bold step forward in our collective mission to modernise healthcare delivery and ensure that every Nigerian has access to safe, affordable, and quality-assured medicines—no matter where they live.

“The NEPP is our strategic response. It provides a clear, enforceable framework for the regulation of electronic pharmacy services in Nigeria. It ensures that innovation does not come at the expense of safety.

“With this policy, we are setting the foundation for a nationally coordinated e-pharmacy ecosystem that is transparent, secure, and patient-centred.

“It establishes licensing and accreditation standards for digital pharmacy platforms, enables real-time monitoring and traceability of pharmaceutical products, improves access to essential medicines—especially in underserved and remote communities,” he said.

Pate said that the platform would promote greater accountability for all actors in the pharmaceutical value chain, adding that the policy is a product of extensive collaboration.

“I want to thank the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), NAFDAC, digital enablers—the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

“I also want to thank the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for their critical role in shaping the digital governance, data protection, and infrastructure frameworks that underpin this policy,” he said

The Registrar/CEO, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Ibrahim-Babashehu Ahmed said the policy would provide strategic direction for regulation especially for PCN being the implementing agency.

“We have developed the regulation to guide this particular endeavor. The regulation was approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and endorsed by Minister of Justice,” he said.

According to him, PCN is confidence that there will not be any challenge in the implementation of the policy.

Munir Elelu, the Director and team lead for the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation, lauded the project, describing it as good innovation for Nigeria.

He said that the project would be cut across for primary healthcare centres services, family planning services, at communities and underserved entities in the country.

Mr David Adeyemi, CEO/Founder, Pharmachain Technologies, who was part of the team that drafted the policy, commended the effort of the team in producing the policy.

He identified lack of implementation as a major setback to most policies in Nigeria, but assuring that the NEPP would not different.

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‎Cassona’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr John Chigbu, at the company’s third anniversary in Lagos, noted that improving Africa’s diagnostic capacity was critical to enable prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases for improved patient outcomes.

According to him, the plan is to make healthcare delivery affordable and accessible for more citizens.

Chigbu emphasised that Cassona’s mission extends beyond equipment supply to include building healthcare ecosystems through hospital construction, offering financing programmes, providing installation and maintenance, and developing local talent with training and recruitment initiatives.

‎He noted that many African health workers lack hands-on experience with modern machines, which Cassona aims to bridge through structured training and continuous support.

“The company has also begun building diagnostic centres and fast-tracked hospitals to help private practitioners deliver quality care without the heavy financial burden of acquiring equipment outright.

“We bring equipment at more affordable rates. You pay 20 per cent upfront and spread the balance over 24 months, while we maintain it so it never fails.

“We will also train doctors, radiologists, sonographers and provide backup power systems to keep equipment running during power cuts,” he said.

‎Having first tested its model in Ghana, Chigbu said Cassona has installed over 140 machines in three years without a single breakdown — a feat he attributes to strict maintenance systems and trust in healthcare providers’ professionalism.

Chigbu noted that Cassona’s operations supported by the U.S. Embassy aims to improve access to quality healthcare, boost economic growth by creating jobs, and foster sustainable development for robust health infrastructure in Nigeria, and Africa.

Also, Prof. Enoch Uche, Abia State Commissioner for Health, called for improved public-private partnerships to accelerate universal healthcare in Nigeria.

Uche pledged the state’s commitment to partner with Cassona to drive quality, accessible and affordable healthcare, adding that Abia State is driving a healthcare revolution.

He disclosed that the state had commenced construction in its primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals, noting that 50 primary health care centres were functionalised within two weeks.

Similarly, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor, said strategic public-private partnerships are crucial to accelerate Lagos THEMES+ health agenda.

‎Ogunyemi noted that partnering with companies such as Cassona would ensure better diagnostics, better treatment outcomes, and improved trust in the public health system.

“We know as a government that we cannot do this alone. So, we need people like this to help us get to where we want to be, which is access to affordable, quality healthcare,” she said.

She emphasised that access to high-tech imaging equipment would ensure the health system tackles a broad range of diseases with precision and reliability.

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Dr Suleiman Ciroma, Head of Enforcement, PCN Headquarters, said this on Friday in Minna while briefing newsmen at the North Central Zonal Office in Minna after the council’s inspection exercise in the state.

He said the sealed premises comprised 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine shops and 290 unlicensed outlets.

Ciroma also said that one person was arrested for allegedly obstructing PCN inspectors in the course of their duties and would be prosecuted.

According to him, 672 premises, including 136 pharmacies and 536 patent medicine shops, were inspected across nine Local Government Areas namely Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja and Gurara.

He explained that the exercise focused on compliance with professional ethics, personnel, premises standards and pharmaceutical practice to ensure safe and quality service delivery.

The PCN enforcement head said the inspection revealed illegal operations of unlicensed outlets, unauthorised clinical practice, non-compliance with regulations, sale of controlled drugs and unapproved training of apprentices, among others.

He urged members of the public to patronise only licensed premises, which he said, could be identified by the display of current licences.

Ciroma commended residents of Niger for their cooperation during the exercise, noting that the council’s nationwide enforcement would help check the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines.

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The chairman of the association, Mr Babatunde Lawal, made the call in an interview with our correspondent on Monday in Ota.

Lawal urged governments at all levels to support the association with infrastructural development, good policies, and financial assistance to enhance its operations and also ensure the availability of potable drinking water.

He also called for stricter regulations on factories and greenhouse gas emissions to ensure long-term sustainability of water for human consumption.

According to him, there is a need for governments to redouble their efforts because the country is facing unique challenges in providing access to safe and clean drinking water.

Lawal emphasised the need for promoting sustainable water management practices and access to safe water in the state, and the country at large.

He appealed to members of the association to adhere to international best practices so that they could build a stronger industry that would guarantee quality water for healthier Nigerians.

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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised the Federal Government’s agreement to deploy Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals to Saint Lucia, noting the move would encourage brain drain with its attendant health consequences.

Dr Ben Egbo, NMA Secretary General, decried the agreement with the Caribbean country, saying it comes at a time when Nigerian doctors are grappling with systemic neglect, poor salaries and withheld allowances.

Egbo further said it coincides with the release of a controversial salary circular that undermines the welfare and professional dignity of doctors.

“We consider this move a deeply troubling contradiction and an attempt to bolster Nigeria’s international image while failing to meet the basic obligations owed to doctors at home who are toiling hard to serve Nigeria.

“We remind the federal government that Nigerian doctors have been suffering while working and serving Nigerians with many doctors leaving the country due to poor remuneration; chronic delays in payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).”

Others are non-implementation of previously negotiated welfare packages and agreements, hazardous working conditions without commensurate risk allowances, lack of universal implementation of the CONMESS salary structure for many of the doctors.

“These challenges have overburdened the doctors left behind, leading to burnout, stress, chronic diseases, and even death, which invariably increases morbidity and mortality among Nigerians.”

Egbo affirmed NMA’s support for  regional cooperation and international engagement, however, noted it is morally unjustifiable to export healthcare workers to foreign countries and pay them five times higher than they earned while serving in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the St. Lucia Government paid N131.7 million per annum to its highest-paid doctors, while the Nigerian government would pay N40.8 million per annum to its doctors that would serve in St. Lucia.

Egbo lamented that the Nigerian government pays N11.9 million per annum to doctors serving in Nigeria.

“Exporting doctors while undermining their welfare at home is inexcusable,” Egbo said.

Nigeria and Saint Lucia signed a Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) agreement to deploy skilled Nigerian professionals to the Caribbean nation, among which are medical doctors and other health professionals.

The agreement signed in Castries by Yusuf Yakub, Director-General of Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps, and Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Saint Lucia’s acting Permanent Secretary was part of bilateral agreement forged during President Bola Tinubu’s two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America to deepen South-South cooperation.

PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA)
National Headquarters

PRESS RELEASE

July 3, 2025

“Exporting Doctors While Undermining Their Welfare at Home Is Inexcusable”

— NMA Reacts to President Tinubu’s Agreement to Send Nigerian Doctors to Saint Lucia

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) expresses deep concern and dismay at the Federal Government’s recent agreement to deploy Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals to Saint Lucia. This announcement comes at a time when Nigerian doctors are grappling with systemic neglect, poor salaries, withheld allowances, and the release of a controversial salary circular that undermines their welfare and professional dignity.

We consider this move a deeply troubling contradiction and an attempt to bolster Nigeria’s international image while failing to meet the basic obligations owed to doctors at home who are toiling hard to serve Nigeria.

We remind the Federal Government that Nigerian doctors have been suffering working and serving Nigerians with many doctors leaving the country due to Poor remuneration; Chronic delays in payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF); non-implementation of previously negotiated welfare packages and agreements; Hazardous working conditions without commensurate risk allowances; Lack of universal implementation of the CONMESS salary structure for many of the doctors. These challenges have overburdened the doctors left behind, leading to burnout, stress, chronic diseases, and even death, which invariably increases morbidity and mortality among Nigerians.

Only yesterday, on July 2, 2025, the NMA issued a press release demanding that the government address its grievances within a 21-day window. The NMA requests that the government withdraw and replace the misleading NSIWC circular; honour all outstanding collective bargain agreements; resolve outstanding allowances and correct distortions in the pay structure; and protect the professional autonomy and dignity of Nigerian doctors.

While the NMA supports regional cooperation and international engagement, it is morally unjustifiable to export healthcare workers to foreign countries and pay them five times higher than they earned while serving in Nigeria. Thus, encouraging the brain drain with its attendant health consequences. Below is a table comparing the salaries paid to the highest-paid doctors serving in St. Lucia and Nigeria.

COMPARISON OF SALARIES PAID TO THE HIGHEST PAID DOCTORS SERVING IN ST LUCIA AND NIGERIA (PER ANNUM IN NAIRA N)

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According to the latest situation report released on Friday by the NCDC for epidemiological week 24 (June 9–15), the country recorded 766 confirmed cases from 5,678 suspected infections.

The case fatality rate stood at 18.9 per cent, up from 17.6 per cent during the same period in 2024.

The agency said that the states most affected were Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, which accounted for 91 per cent of the confirmed cases.

It said that Ondo alone contributed 31 per cent making it the epicentre of the outbreak.

In spite a decline in new confirmed cases — down to eight from 11 the previous week — the Nigerian public health agency said that health authorities remained concerned about the high fatality rate.

The agency said that this was driven by late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour, and unsanitary living conditions in high-burden communities.

According to it, efforts to contain the outbreak have included the deployment of Rapid Response Teams to 10 states, risk communication, environmental sanitation campaigns, and training of health workers in high-risk areas.

The NCDC also de-escalated its Incident Management System to alert mode while integrating Lassa fever messages into wider disease awareness campaigns.

The agency has appealed to the public to avoid contact with rodents and to seek prompt medical care at designated treatment centres at the first sign of symptoms such as fever, headache, or bleeding.

The agency continues to urge Nigerians to maintain hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid contact with rodents and their secretions.

“The public is also encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and utilise the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries,” it said.

Our correspondent reports that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats.

It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected medical equipment.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from the body openings

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Nwoko said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He noted that there was a clear gap in the system that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alone could not fill, adding that this was glaring in the nation’s current drug response.

”The NDLEA’s focus is largely enforcement and interdiction. But what about sustained rehabilitation, grassroots awareness, school outreach, and long term reintegration?”, he said.

The lawmaker said that it was in view of this, that he proposed a Bill for the Establishment of a National Centre for Substance Abuse Management in Ndemili, Delta, adding that the Bill was currently before the senate.

He added that during his recent visit to his constituency, a student-led NGO approached him with a draft bill on the same issue.

“This is proof that the need is urgent and widely recognised,” he said.

Nwoko also commended his colleague Sen. Rufai Hanga, whom he said sponsored a “Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute on Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation”.

He said that a one-day public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics was held recently on the Bill.

“I commend my distinguished colleague Sen. Rufai Hanga, for sponsoring this timely bill, and I appreciate every stakeholder who spoke in favor.

“We must act with clarity and courage. Drug abuse rehabilitation requires its own institutional framework,” Nwoko stressed.

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Dr Salma Anas, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 25th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the Nigerian Hypertension Society.

The theme of the conference is “Scaling up Hypertension Control in Nigeria: Policies, Health Systems and Practice.”

Anas, represented by her Technical Adviser, Mr Umar Tanko, cited data indicating that nearly one in three Nigerian adults had hypertension, yet many were unaware of their condition.

She added that even among diagnosed cases, control rates remained alarmingly low.

She attributed the situation to the rising cost of medications, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate financial support for patients.

“Hypertension is not just a physical condition; it is a threat to national productivity, stability, and sustainable development,” she said.

According to Anas, the Federal Government is prioritising hypertension control through several structural reforms.

“These include the integration of hypertension screening into primary healthcare, implementation of health insurance reforms, and the rollout of a national health sector strategic development plan.

“Other initiatives include expanding the Global Action on Non-Communicable Diseases (GAC) platform to improve access to care, and increasing financial protection for patients requiring lifelong management of hypertension and related conditions.”

She added that efforts were also underway to strengthen surgical and vascular care capacity, reduce dependence on imported drugs, and ensure consistent availability of high-quality medications.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Simon Isezuo, President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, described hypertension as a silent killer and a major public health challenge in Nigeria.

He noted that many people were unaware they have the condition, and among those on treatment, fewer than 10 per cent achieved proper blood pressure control.

“This is why stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and sudden death continue to rise.

“In many of these cases, uncontrolled hypertension is the underlying cause,” he said.

Isezuo called for intensified efforts to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and reduce salt consumption, identifying it as a key risk factor.

He also urged Nigerians to engage in regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, or other moderate exercises that could help control blood pressure and prevent hypertension.

Also speaking, Prof. Batsen Onwubere highlighted the high cost of treating hypertension due to its chronic nature and Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported medications.

He noted that the Federal Government was working to promote local drug production to help lower costs, although exchange rate volatility continued to impact drug affordability.

He acknowledged the role of the National Health Insurance Agency in improving access but said current coverage remained limited.

“The society continues to engage government, philanthropists, and the general public to address the burden of hypertension in Nigeria,” Onwubere said.

Our correspondent reports that the two-day conference will conclude on Tuesday.

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Gov. Umaru Bago, at the inauguration in Minna on Monday, said the campaign was in line with the new Niger Agenda.

Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said the campaign would help in reducing morbidity and mortality of childhood killer diseases in the state.

He said it further underscores the critical role of nutrition and immunisation in achieving good health and the collective efforts to meet the UN sustainable development goals.

The governor noted that his administration had recognised health and nutrition as the essential foundation for a healthy population, driving sustainable development in the state.

“Good nutrition is crucial for healthier lives, stronger communities and a productive state.

“Malnutrition among children and women remains a pressing challenge that demands collective action,” he said, pledging the state’s commitment to tackling them.

Bago added that his administration had upgraded primary healthcare centres across the 274 wards, recruited more healthcare professionals and ensured access to care in remote areas.

In his address, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, the Commissioner for Niger Ministry for Primary Healthcare, said MNCHW was a platform to reduce maternal and newborn mortality.
He said free services such as deworming, antenatal care, birth registration, and Long Lasting Mosquito Nets would be provided.

Also speaking, Aliyu Suleiman, World Health Organisation (WHO) Coordinator in Niger, said WHO was committed to supporting the state in healthcare delivery and commended the state government for its efforts.

Mrs Theresa Pamma, a Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, said the campaign showed Niger government’s commitment at ensuring the vulnerable were being cared for.

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