‘77% of Nigerian Women Bleach Their Skin’: Beverly Naya Reflects On Documentary’s Impact.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Beverly Naya has opened up about the inspiration behind her acclaimed documentary on skin bleaching and colourism, saying the project was created to spark conversations about identity, beauty standards and the harmful effects of colourism in Nigeria.

Speaking during an appearance on the One54 Africa Podcast, Naya reflected on the documentary’s impact, explaining that her goal was to shed light on an issue many people experience but rarely discuss openly.

“With the documentary, I was able to shine some light on colourism, what it is, and how it’s affecting Nigerians,” she said.

The actress discussed the prevalence of skin bleaching in Nigeria, noting that the documentary examined the societal pressures that drive many people to lighten their skin and the health consequences associated with the practice.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has one of the highest reported rates of skin-lightening product use among women globally, with studies frequently cited indicating that a significant proportion of Nigerian women have used such products.

Naya said the documentary went beyond statistics to explore the emotional and psychological effects of colourism, while also educating viewers about the dangers of using unregulated skin-bleaching products, some of which contain harmful substances linked to serious health complications.

Reflecting on the response the film received, she said one of its greatest achievements was encouraging honest conversations and helping people rethink long-held perceptions of beauty and self-worth.

Since its release, the documentary has been widely praised for raising awareness about colourism and inspiring discussions on self-acceptance, with many viewers sharing how it challenged their perspectives on skin tone, beauty and identity.