The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has commenced operations at newly established annex offices across strategic locations in Lagos State to improve residents’ access to consumer protection services and complaint resolution.
Eko Hot News reports that the initiative is part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to bring consumer protection closer to communities and ensure that residents can easily access redress mechanisms without travelling long distances.
Speaking on the development, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, said the decentralisation of the agency’s operations reflects its commitment to strengthening consumer protection and improving service delivery across the state.
According to him, the annex offices were established to provide faster responses to consumer complaints while increasing public awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities.
Solebo noted that the move aligns with the government’s vision of promoting fair trade practices and protecting consumers from exploitation in various sectors of the economy.
He explained that residents can now access LASCOPA services closer to their communities, making it easier to report grievances and seek intervention when their rights are violated.
“The establishment of these annex offices demonstrates the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting consumers and promoting a fair marketplace. We are bringing our services closer to the people to ensure easier access to consumer education and complaint resolution,” he said.
The General Manager disclosed that the agency has successfully established operational annex offices in several parts of the state over the last two years.
These offices are located in Ikorodu and Badagry Local Government Areas, as well as Bariga and Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Areas.
To further expand its reach, LASCOPA has now opened additional annex offices in Ojo, Epe, and Agege Local Government Areas, alongside Isolo Local Council Development Area.
The expansion is expected to improve consumer engagement and make it easier for residents in underserved communities to access the agency’s services.
Solebo explained that consumers who encounter unfair trade practices can visit any of the annex offices to file complaints and receive appropriate support.
He listed common issues handled by the agency to include defective products, hazardous goods, substandard services, misleading advertisements, and other violations of consumer rights.
The agency also provides mediation services to help resolve disputes between consumers and service providers without unnecessary delays.
According to Solebo, LASCOPA’s intervention extends across several sectors that directly impact the daily lives of residents.
These sectors include electricity distribution, banking and finance, telecommunications, healthcare, housing, transportation, education, insurance, and hospitality services.
Others are retail stores, supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, logistics and courier services, automobile services, food and beverage businesses, and oil and gas operations.
The agency also handles complaints related to fashion and beauty services, furniture and household products, as well as interior and exterior decoration services.
Solebo emphasized that consumer education remains a major component of the agency’s mandate.
He noted that many residents are unaware of their rights and responsibilities as consumers, making public enlightenment a critical aspect of LASCOPA’s work.
The annex offices will therefore serve as centres for consumer advocacy, awareness campaigns, and information dissemination.
Residents visiting the offices will have access to guidance on consumer laws, complaint procedures, and available dispute resolution mechanisms.
The General Manager encouraged Lagos residents to make use of the newly established offices whenever they experience consumer-related challenges.
He urged consumers not to remain silent when faced with unfair business practices, stressing that reporting such incidents helps improve standards across industries.
Solebo also called on businesses and service providers to embrace ethical practices and maintain high standards of service delivery.
According to him, a transparent and accountable marketplace benefits both consumers and businesses by promoting trust and confidence.
The expansion of LASCOPA’s presence across Lagos communities is expected to contribute significantly to consumer protection and market regulation efforts.
Stakeholders have described the initiative as a positive step towards ensuring greater accessibility, responsiveness, and efficiency in handling consumer complaints.
The development also reflects Lagos State’s broader commitment to protecting residents and promoting economic activities built on fairness and accountability.
As more residents gain access to consumer protection services, the agency hopes to strengthen public confidence and encourage responsible business conduct throughout the state.
With the opening of the new annex offices, LASCOPA is positioning itself to better serve consumers while fostering a fair, transparent, and competitive marketplace that supports sustainable economic growth in Lagos State.
