Crusader Soap Ban in Nigeria: Medical and Legal Implications.



Recently, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) intercepted 3 trailer-loads of Crusader Soap, a product banned in 2019 for containing mercury. These 3 trailers amounted to 4,000 cartons by 12 packs by 12-tablet soap. Further investigation through the ports show that the banned soap was imported seven times in 2021 alone and each consignment is not less than three containers with 4,500 cartons of the soap.

What are the medical implications of mercury in cosmetic products, first of all? Was the ban necessary?

The mercury in cosmetic products can be absorbed through the skin. Mercury can damage the brain, nervous system and kidneys. It may also damage the skin, cause rashes and blotchy spots, and give skin a grayish color. You can read up on the medical implications of mercury here

The longer and more often products containing mercury are used, the greater the health risk. These products can be especially harmful to children.


What are the legal implications?

During the investigations, it was discovered that the syndicate uses forged customs documents to import the product into the country. Section 467 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act states that any person who forges any document, writing, or seal, is guilty of an offence which, unless otherwise stated, is a felony, and he is liable, if no other punishment is provided, to imprisonment for three years.

Also, this act is an outright violation of NAFDAC Act and a contravention of the agency’s regulations, including the Cosmetic Products (Prohibition of Bleaching Agents) Regulations 2019 which provides that no person shall import, manufacture, distribute, sell, display for sale or offer for sale any cosmetic product which contains more than 2% of Hydroquinone alone or 1% in combination with other lightening ingredients. And there are penalties for the contravention of this provision.

Why then do people damn the consequences of  disobeying the law and go ahead to commit crime? You guessed right. Money! We are talking millions and billions here.


The craziest part of all this, in my opinion, is the fact that the street value of the products in those three trucks seized by NAFDAC is approximately N1 billion, as reported by The Guardian. So criminals are making a fortune off the health and lives of unsuspecting consumers. Some consumers are even aware, but they want to "tone up a little". It's okay oh! Continue! 

I think the government ought to do more to sensitize people. When there is a ban on a product, there should be warnings over a period of time, announced on radio and TV stations, banners should be displayed in conspicuous spaces for everyone to see, the reasons for these bans should be overemphasized so that the public can understand the reason they need to boycott these products, and also be on alert to blow the whistle if they find it anywhere.

I pray we do better as a country. God bless Nigeria.

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