SMES call for proper regulation of cosmetics formulation industry

Small and medium scale operators in the cosmetics industry are calling for the proper regulation of the sector to aid standardisation.

The SMES operators, who spoke at the grand launch of Semsey Cosmetics Manufacturing Hub recently in Lagos, said with proper regulation of the industry, local cosmetics products could compete globally, earn foreign exchange for the country and drive economic growth.

They noted that operators in the industry were faced with numerous challenges, especially in the area of obtaining necessary certification from the Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

They added that the regulatory bottleneck was responsible for the large numbers of unregistered cosmetics businesses in the country.

Speaking of the newly established cosmetic hub, Tubosun Afolayan, a cosmetics formulator and producer, said that the hub was to support SMES in cosmetics businesses with training, mentoring, and assistance in getting relevant certification.

“It is a place where SMES can come in, use our standard equipment instead of doing the production in their kitchens,” Afolayan, who is also the founder and chief executive of the cosmetics hub, said.

“Also, we will assist them through the process of getting necessary NAFDAC certification via our contract manufacturing services,” she said.

She stated that the hub was created to provide support entrepreneurs in the industry to get registered and certified to scale their businesses.

Afolayan, who was inspired by a personal skin challenge to establish her cosmetics business, was promoting healthy skin using organic products and training lots of start-ups on cosmetics formulators.

Speaking also during the launch, Toki Mabogunje, president of the Lagos Chamber and Commerce Industry (LCCI), while commending the firm for its efforts in the cosmetics value chain, said SMES would thrive notwithstanding the challenges the environment presented.

Magogunje, who was represented by Foluke Oloniyo, Business Education Service Training (BEST) unit, said that the hub would help many other entrepreneurs come out of formulating in their kitchens.

“The hub will also help a large percentage of cosmetics manufacturers to stop formulating from their homes where there is little or no standards, making the endusers to pay the consequences of substandard products,” she said.

Similarly, George Onafowokan, managing director and chief executive officer, Coleman Wires and Cables, in his remarks, said that SMES were critical in growing the Nigerian economy and creating jobs.