The Lagos State Government has announced plans to collaborate with certified dermatologists to regulate and curb the activities of unqualified practitioners in aesthetic medicine, commonly referred to as skincare.
The announcement was made by Professor Akin Abayomi, the state’s Commissioner for Health, during the 19th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD).
The three-day event, themed “Dermatology and Global Health: Bridging the Gap,” brought together professionals to address pressing issues in dermatological care.
Professor Abayomi explained that aesthetic medicine focuses on improving the appearance of the skin, hair, and body using non-surgical treatments to address conditions such as aging, acne scars, pigmentation, and hair loss.
“We all know there is an explosion in aesthetic dermatology worldwide, and Lagos is no exception,” Abayomi said. “As a government, we are deeply concerned about the rise of unqualified individuals presenting themselves as skincare experts.”
He warned that these unlicensed practitioners often carry out treatments that pose serious health risks.
“The regulatory arm of the ministry, the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, is currently reviewing this alarming trend in Lagos. We intend to work closely with NAD to define clear boundaries for these individuals and keep their activities under strict government scrutiny to protect residents,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, former Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, stressed the need for skin health to be prioritized in public health policies, noting its relevance in pandemic preparedness and broader global health challenges.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Dasetima Altraide, President of NAD, raised concerns about the increasing influence of quacks in aesthetic dermatology despite the association’s ongoing efforts to address the issue.
“We must strengthen our collaboration with government agencies, regulators, and the Nigerian Medical Association to eliminate unsafe practices and safeguard public health,” he said.
Altraide further called for the recognition of skin diseases as a significant global health concern.
Professor Akin Osibogun, a community health expert and chairman of the event, urged NAD to ramp up public awareness campaigns on skin health nationwide.
He also encouraged dermatologists to fully engage with the conference to stay informed and continue delivering quality healthcare.
Dr. Ayesha Akinkugbe, Chairperson of the organising committee, noted that the conference was designed to promote knowledge exchange and build partnerships that would advance dermatology on the global stage.
