NAFDAC Cracks Down On Illegal Skin-Bleaching Creams In Kano, Arrests Six.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken decisive action against the illegal sale of skin-bleaching creams in Kano, arresting six individuals and sealing multiple shops in the Sabon Gari market. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, follows weeks of surveillance prompted by public complaints on social media and a directive from NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Kasim Ibrahim, revealed during a press briefing that the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate carried out the raid, targeting shops selling unapproved skin-bleaching products marketed as beauty spa treatments. “After thorough analysis and robust discussions, we identified approximately six individuals involved in these illegal activities,” Ibrahim stated. The operation led to the seizure of harmful products, with samples collected for laboratory analysis to determine their composition and potential health risks.
The crackdown was spurred by concerns over the unregulated use of cosmetics containing harmful substances, which pose significant threats to public health. Ibrahim highlighted NAFDAC’s mandate to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cosmetics, emphasising that the agency’s actions aim to prevent “potential public health disasters of significant magnitude.” He also noted that other businesses found faking registered cosmetics or breaching safety standards were sealed pending further investigation.
Public response on social media platforms, including X, has been overwhelmingly supportive, with users praising NAFDAC’s efforts to curb the proliferation of dangerous beauty products. Posts on X described the operation as a vital step towards protecting consumers, with many calling for sustained enforcement across Nigeria.
Ibrahim urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to NAFDAC, underscoring the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health under Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership. He also expressed gratitude to the media for amplifying awareness and encouraged continued public cooperation in the fight against illegal cosmetics.
This operation marks the latest in NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to regulate harmful products in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the agency sealed a warehouse in Niger State for the illegal sale of monosodium glutamate (MSG), following a similar investigation into unregulated products. The Kano raid reinforces NAFDAC’s resolve to protect consumers from substandard and figured to be a crucial step towards ensuring consumer safety and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s cosmetics market.
