Health experts have raised concerns over the growing trend of skin bleaching in Nigeria, warning that the pursuit of lighter skin is fast becoming a major public health and social issue.
The warning follows the unveiling of a documentary by the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) in Abuja, highlighting the dangers associated with the use of skin-lightening products.
The film, titled “Fairness at a Cost: Unveiling the Truth about Skin Whitening in Nigeria,” was produced with support from Women Engage for a Common Future and the European Union.
The documentary draws attention to the widespread availability and use of cosmetic products containing harmful substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids. These chemicals have been linked to serious health complications, including organ damage, hormonal disruption, infertility, pregnancy-related issues, and skin cancer.
Despite existing regulatory frameworks, the products remain easily accessible across both formal and informal markets, raising concerns about weak enforcement.
Founder and Global Lead of WEP, Dr. Priscillia Achakpa, noted that the increasing use of bleaching products is contributing to rising infertility cases among women. She stressed the need for urgent intervention to curb the trend.
https://youtube.com/shorts/YAh2tA8olWQ?si=X9JAvfSqJUe1ZAVI
Also speaking, the Director of Pollution Control at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Engr. Bahijjatu Abubakar, called for stricter penalties and stronger enforcement mechanisms to address the proliferation of harmful cosmetic products.
Stakeholders further warned that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of skin bleaching globally, with over 70 percent—and in some reports up to 77 percent—of women having used skin-lightening products at some point.
Through a mix of personal stories, expert insights, and scientific evidence, the documentary aims to challenge societal beauty standards and increase awareness of the long-term health risks associated with skin bleaching.