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| NAFDAC HQ |
June 24, 2026 – Lagos, Nigeria
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed shops and arrested six people over the illegal sale of bleaching creams, the agency announced on Tuesday.
The enforcement operation targeted shops selling unregistered and unwholesome cosmetic products. NAFDAC officials seized large quantities of bleaching creams and other prohibited cosmetic products during the raid, which took place in several markets across Lagos.
The agency said the operation followed intelligence reports that some shop owners were selling unregistered cosmetic products, including bleaching creams, that had been banned by NAFDAC. The arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted.
NAFDAC warned that bleaching creams contain harmful chemicals, including hydroquinone and mercury, which can cause skin cancer, kidney damage, and other serious health problems.
The agency urged Nigerians to avoid using unregistered cosmetic products and to report any suspicious products to NAFDAC.
"The use of bleaching creams poses serious health risks to users," a NAFDAC spokesperson said. "We will continue to clamp down on the illegal sale of these products to protect the health of Nigerians."
The agency also advised Nigerians to embrace their natural skin colour and to avoid products that promise unrealistic results.
Efforts to reach the arrested suspects for comments were unsuccessful.
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