The minister of health and social welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako has on Wednesday, lamented over he increased use of bleaching products by some non-black African countries and Nigeria especially.
Dr. Salako said nigeria is currently tagged ‘World Capital of Skin Bleaching’ expressing his disappointment.
In his speech, Salako said that despite the fact that the side effects of these products are always boldly written, many still go after them.
The effect of bleaching products like creams, ointments, soap, pills, injections, and others are harmful to the body and unhealthy.
“Nigeria may have been called ‘the world capital of skin bleaching’ or ‘the skin lightening hothouse of the world’ potentially due to its recognition as having the highest usage rates of SLPs across the globe put at 77 per cent among Nigerian women by WHO.”
Salako said in his state released to journalists in Abuja that bleaching is more popular among Nigerian women than the men.
Furthermore, he noted that the health organization and the federal government are working hand-in-hand to ensure guidelines on proper safety assessment of cosmetic products is developed (currently in progress) so as to strengthen regulatory oversights to ensure that every product meets the international safety standards.
“We have developed the cosmetic products (prohibition of bleaching agents) regulations 2019, which prohibit the use of harmful skin bleaching agents like mercury and restrict the allowable concentration of hydroquinone to 2%.”The statement read.
He also said that the federal government, through the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and control continuously ensures that all cosmetic products are tested, certified and registered for safety and to meet the standards.
Additionally, the minister urged everyone involved to desist from bleaching as he stated how harmful the products are.
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