Lagos State Safety Commission has entered into a partnership with the Association of Practitioners of Spa and Medical Aesthetics of Nigeria (APSMAN) to stop quack operators and ensure safety in the profession.
Speaking at a press conference and annual symposium of APSMAN at Ikeja, the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Hakeem Dickson said the State Government through the Commission will be working with the Association to bring sanity to the industry.
He said the partnership with the body is an expression of Governor Ambode’s vision to make Lagos State safe for all irrespective of social status, political affiliation, religion or ethnic group.
Dickson disclosed that a bill to regulate the beauty industry is already being considered and reviewed at the State’s House of Assembly, stressing that the bill when it becomes law, will make it mandatory for every Spa and Medical Aesthetics professional to register under the umbrella of the Association.
He said: “What we doing is that we are taking safety to every workplace in the State. We are instilling the consciousness of a safety culture and standards among our people. Lagosians should stop buying chemicals not appropriate for the skin or invest in things that could be detrimental to their body in the long run.”
Dickson added that the State Government is keen on its zero tolerance to unsafe practices and will leave no stone unturned to reduce both workplace and domestic accidents to the barest minimum, adding that safety culture must be maintained in all ramifications.
The President, Association of Practitioners of Spa and Medical Aesthetics of Nigeria, Dr. Felix Avajah said the Association’s main objective is to create uniformity in standards and ethics regulating the practice of Spa and Medical Aesthetics in the country.
He noted that the Association, being a licensing and regulatory body of the industry, will ensure that professionals in the field adhere to the set standards and halt the unwholesome practice of mixture of chemicals that could damage skin, cause loss of hair and other ill health.
“Enough is enough, it is the time the quacks among us stop killing peoples’ skin. We are here to protect the interest of the people and promote professionalism. All over the world, there are bodies regulating industries and Nigeria cannot be an exception. Which is why we are committed to bringing sanity to this industry.” the President declared.
While appreciating the commitment and dedication of professionals who had devoted their time and resources for necessary certification, Avajah appealed to Nigerians to stop getting beauty services from quacks considering the inherent danger in such practices.
Also speaking at the event, the Provost, Lagos State College of Health Technology, Mr. Moyo Kazeem said he was optimistic that the Association will rectify the ills in the beauty industry.
Safety officers from the Commission also enlightened members of APSMAN and guests on safety tips and precautionary measures at the workplace, health centres, social gatherings and during emergency situations.
