The NAFDAC has initiated a crackdown on businesses selling bleaching products across the six geopolitical regions of the nation.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated at the North East Zonal Media Sensitisation Workshop in Maiduguri that there are no health benefits associated with the use of bleaching creams. Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, the Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, represented her. She also mentioned that they are implementing strict regulatory measures to curb the widespread use of these harmful products.

Following the dissemination of information through various media channels, we have taken decisive actions, including conducting intelligence operations and carrying out raids in trade fairs, markets, and shops. As a result of these raids, significant amounts of unauthorized products have been seized and destroyed, NAFDAC reported.

"This is a proactive approach to mobilizing, educating, and sensitizing stakeholders and the general public," the Director-General said, urging journalists to contribute to the eradication of the hazardous trend of bleaching creams.

She stated that the production, importation, and usage of different bleaching creams are causing a lot of scarce resources to be wasted. To combat this, a "training the trainers" workshop will be held to educate 60 journalists who will lead the campaign against bleaching creams.

NAFDAC will continue to collaborate with the media to extend the positive impact of raids to the grassroots. It was also emphasized that bleaching creams pose a variety of dangers, such as skin irritation, allergies, damage to vital organs, and even cancer.

According to Dr. Bukar Usman, the North East Director of NAFDAC, in his paper titled 'The Cosmovigillance Best Practices,' the agency is deeply concerned about the destruction of people's lives caused by the use of certain products, which results in the wastage of significant resources.