What in the World What’s being done to tackle skin-lightening in Nigeria?
May 20, 2025
In this engaging discussion, BBC reporter Madina Maishanu, based in Abuja, shares her investigation into Nigeria's booming skin-lightening industry. She interviews a mother who has applied whitening products to her six children, revealing the immense cultural pressure surrounding beauty standards. Madina highlights alarming health risks associated with these products, including toxic ingredients. The dialogue also covers regulatory challenges and the advocacy efforts aimed at combating this pervasive issue within Nigerian society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mother's Struggle with Skin Bleaching
- Fatima bleached six of her children due to family pressure and discrimination linked to skin color.
- Her children face severe health issues and social stigma because of the bleaching products used on them.
Dangerous Chemicals in Creams
- Skin lightening products contain hazardous chemicals like caustic acid, hydroquinone, and mercury.
- These creams often exceed safe dosages, heightening health risks, especially for children.
Prevalence of Skin Bleaching in Africa
- Nigeria leads Africa in skin bleaching with 77% of women using these products regularly.
- Other African countries like Congo, Senegal, and Ghana also have high usage but significantly lower than Nigeria.