Lagos, Nigeria – Tropics Derma Research & Training Institute (TDRTI), a pioneer in science-based skincare solutions for dark skin, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST). This partnership represents a pivotal step forward in addressing the unique skincare needs of people with dark skin and promoting safe, science-driven practices within the skincare industry.
Founded by Dr. Edith F. Gibson more than a decade ago, TDRTI has been at the forefront of research on skin conditions specific to black people. This collaboration with FMIST is expected to propel this vision forward, establishing TDRTI as a leader in creating solutions tailored for African skin.
“For more than 10 years, I have dedicated myself to addressing the glaring gap in the skincare industry,” said Dr. Edith F. Gibson, Founder of TDRTI. “Many products on the market fail to meet the specific needs of African skin, which has led to a reliance on harmful and ineffective solutions. This partnership is about redefining skincare for black people through safe, science-based practices that protect and promote overall skin health.”
Through this agreement, TDRTI and FMIST will develop initiatives to tackle harmful skincare practices such as skin bleaching. Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Innovation, emphasized that the partnership aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to innovation in public health and raises awareness of the dangers associated with unregulated skincare products.
On his Facebook page, he wrote:-
Today’s MoU signing was a landmark move with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Tropics Derma Research & Training Institute (TDRTI) and the ministry agencies to revolutionize the country’s skincare industry.
Given the alarming rise in the use of harmful skin bleaching products, many of which contain dangerous ingredients such as hydroquinone and steroids, these can lead to irreversible skin damage, hormonal imbalances, and other harmful and destructive health issues.
The MOU will enable FIIRO and NBTI to collaborate with TDRTI in research and development and provide training for professionals in cosmeceutical sciences and tropical dermatology to further safeguard consumers from harmful practices.
By focusing on local manufacturing and high-quality product standards, the partnership will also involve research and development with local institutions, promoting safe, locally manufactured products.
This collaboration not only advances innovation in skincare technology in Nigeria but also addresses the dangerous epidemic of skin bleaching, which disproportionately affects women. It will help reduce the reliance on harmful, unregulated products and foster a safer beauty industry in Nigeria.
It is our goal that the partnership between the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) and the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) with Tropics Derma will combat these harmful practices by offering safe, science-backed skincare solutions.
At the MOU signing, TDRTI also demonstrated their advanced AI-powered derma analysis setup, which provides free skin evaluations conducted by certified medical and tropical estheticians.
TDRTI, led by Dr. Edith F. Gibson, Mrs. Lizette Bilikha, and other members of the Tropics Derma team, have spent over 10 years researching tropical skin health, analyzing more than 50,000 tropical skin samples to develop cutting-edge treatments for common skin issues that impact women of colour.
I am pleased to see this agreement come to fruition, as this initiative has been in the works since I took office. It supports our commitment to promoting public health, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable economic growth in line with our dear President Bola Tinubu’s (GCFR) 8-point agenda.
The partnership also includes plans for TDRTI to train beauty entrepreneurs and health workers across Nigeria, equipping them with essential skills in tropical dermatology and ensuring that consumers have access to effective, scientifically-backed skincare solutions. This initiative is set to have a positive economic impact, creating new opportunities within Nigeria’s skincare industry.
“Ultimately, we aim to influence health and industrial policy to eliminate toxic products from the market,” said Dr. Gibson. “This partnership with FMIST marks a new era in which safety and quality become the standard for skincare products for black people around the world.”
With this partnership, TDRTI reinforces its commitment to providing safe, accessible, and effective skincare solutions designed specifically for African skin, leading a new wave of innovation within Nigeria and beyond.
About Tropics Derma Research & Training Institute
Tropics Derma Research & Training Institute (TDRTI) was founded by Dr. Edith F. Gibson with a mission to deliver science-based skincare solutions for people with dark skin. Through research, education, and product development, TDRTI is dedicated to transforming the skincare landscape for black people worldwide.
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