'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Nigeria Society of Cosmetic Scientists (NICOS) has issued a clarion call for education reforms and investment in state-of-the-art testing facilities to revolutionize Nigeria's underperforming cosmetics industry.
This push comes in the wake of the 2024 Cosmetics Connect Workshop and Exhibition, held in Abuja, where experts dissected the industry's challenges and charted a path toward global competitiveness.
Despite Nigeria's vast population and abundant natural resources, the cosmetics sector generates a modest $1.4 billion annually, far below its estimated potential of $30 billion. NICOS Founding President, Grace Abamba, attributed this gap to a lack of skilled workforce, poor infrastructure, and inadequate educational frameworks. She emphasized that bridging these gaps is crucial for Nigeria to compete in the rapidly growing global cosmetics market, valued at $502 billion and projected to exceed $700 billion within two years.
“There is a need for targeted educational initiatives to close the knowledge gap that limits our industry,” Abamba said. She further disclosed NICOS’ plans to establish an academy focused on enhancing skills in cosmetic science. The proposed curriculum would cover key areas such as formulation science, product safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to global standards.
While stressing that education alone would not suffice, Abamba called for comprehensive industry reforms, including:
State-of-the-art testing facilities to ensure product quality and safety. Support for local raw material suppliers to reduce production costs.
Incentives for manufacturers to scale production and boost exports.
“These measures are critical for improving the quality of Nigerian-made cosmetics and reducing reliance on imports,” she noted.
NICOS Vice President, Olusola Ojo, corroborated Abamba’s stance, highlighting the need for enhanced training to tackle the technical challenges faced by small-scale manufacturers. According to Ojo, issues such as product safety, chemistry, and stability testing often hinder local manufacturers from meeting global standards.
“By offering training and educational resources, we are equipping manufacturers with the tools they need to improve their products and navigate global trade,” Ojo said.
Ojo also revealed NICOS’ ongoing efforts to extend technical training opportunities to underserved regions, as well as a three-year educational grant provided by the International Federation of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) for members across Nigeria.
She underscored the importance of collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions in driving sustainable growth.
“The global cosmetics market is booming, and Nigeria has the resources and talent to emerge as a leader,” she said. “But to achieve this, we must invest in our people, our infrastructure, and our industry.”
The workshop concluded with a consensus on the need for urgent action to reform Nigeria's educational system and upgrade infrastructure to transform the cosmetics industry into a significant contributor to the national economy.
