The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute (TDRTI) to develop innovative, science-backed skincare solutions.
The partnership aims to combat harmful practices in skincare and provide safer alternatives for Nigerians.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying it supports national objectives of promoting public health, fostering innovation, and advancing sustainable economic growth, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda.
“The rise in the use of harmful skincare products, especially those containing substances like hydroquinone and steroids, poses serious health risks to many Nigerians, particularly women. The long-term effects of these unregulated products, such as hormonal imbalances and irreversible skin damage, are alarming,” Nnaji said.
He added that the partnership extends beyond consumer protection by encouraging local manufacturing and raising product standards through collaboration with key research institutions like the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) and the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).
“By promoting local production, we aim to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on harmful, unregulated imports and build a safer, high-quality beauty industry,” he added.
Nnaji emphasised that the collaboration demonstrates the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation in addressing public health challenges and fostering sustainable growth. He stated that it will create an environment where women and other consumers can access safer skincare options, empowering them to make informed, healthy choices.
“I commend TDRTI for its dedication to promoting safe skincare practices and its leadership in research and development. I am confident that today’s signing ceremony marks the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s skincare sector—one that prioritises safety, sustainability and innovation,” he concluded.
In her remarks, chief executive officer of TDRTI, Dr. Edith Gibson explained that skincare is as important as “the food we eat and is not exclusively for the affluent or women.”
She noted that over 90 per cent of skincare products for tropical (black) skin used in Africa are manufactured outside the continent. She further highlighted that TDRTI’s AI-powered derma analysis system aims to offer skincare solutions through local and indigenous manufacturing for Nigerians.
Gibson said that TDRTI has conducted over a decade of intensive research on tropical skin health, analysing more than 50,000 skin samples. The institute has developed cutting-edge treatments to address the unique skincare needs of Nigerians. Their AI-powered derma analysis system provides free skin evaluations conducted by certified professionals, ensuring personalised skincare solutions without resorting to dangerous bleaching products.
Gibson expressed gratitude to the ministry, NBTI, and FIIRO for their support and emphasised TDRTI’s commitment to creating a viable workforce for Nigeria.
“TDRTI’s dedication to training professionals—including beauticians, estheticians, pharmacists, and junior medical staff—further strengthens this initiative. By equipping these professionals with skills in cosmeceutical sciences and tropical dermatology, we are building a workforce capable of delivering safe, effective skincare treatments to Nigerians,” she added.
