The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has ordered the immediate recall and suspension of specific batches of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products circulating in the country over safety concerns, including carcinogenic risks, contamination, and severe neurological complications.
The directive was contained in a circular dated June 4, 2026, and addressed to all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions across Nigeria.
The Ministry warned against the continued use, procurement, and distribution of the affected products, stressing the need for strict compliance and wide dissemination of the safety alert within all health facilities.
Among the recalled items is Impala Gel Nail Polish produced in Brazil, which was flagged by Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for containing substances associated with cancer risks and reproductive toxicity.
The substances identified include Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphinic Oxide and N-dimethyl-p-toluidine.
Also affected is a 120ml Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension, linked to contamination concerns raised by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recalled batches are Lot Nos. 7261973A and 7261974A, with an expiry date of January 31, 2027.
The Ministry further ordered the withdrawal of medicines containing Levamisole, citing risks of leukoencephalopathy, a rare but serious neurological disorder that affects the brain’s white matter and can result in severe complications.
Health facilities nationwide have been directed to immediately suspend the purchase and use of the affected products and to report any suspected adverse reactions to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The circular emphasized strict compliance with the directive, urging healthcare institutions to ensure broad dissemination of the alert to safeguard public health.
It was signed by Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, Head of the Dentistry Division, for the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
