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Nigerian Govt Warns Against Rising Practice Of Skin Bleaching

The government has warned against the use of skin bleaching products, a practice that is widespread in the country - and across the region - despite their well-documented harmful effects.

Speaking at a forum to raise awareness about the issue, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, lamented the high prevalence of bleaching products on Nigerian market, including creams, ointments, soap, pills and injections.

"Nigeria may have been called 'the world capital of skin bleaching'...potentially due to its recognition as having the highest usage rates of SLPs [Skin Lightening Products] across the globe put at 77 percent by WHO," he said.

Minister Salako said many bleaching products contain harmful substances which could lead to skin damage, organ toxicity, and even cancer.

Pearl Akanya Ofori/RFI

A woman applies a bleaching soap on her face with the hope of lightening her complexion (file photo).

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