The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), in partnership with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), will host a joint stakeholder engagement to promote transparency in pricing, product labelling and consumer-friendly return and refund practices across Lagos State.
Eko Hot News reports that the engagement is designed to address concerns surrounding price opacity, inadequate product labelling and non-compliance with return and refund policies in the marketplace. The initiative is expected to strengthen consumer confidence while encouraging businesses to comply with established regulations.
The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq., announced the initiative at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja.
He described the engagement as the first of its kind under the collaborative framework established between LASCOPA and the FCCPC to advance consumer protection and fair market practices.
The programme is themed “Price Tagging, Minimum Labelling Requirements and Return/Refund: The Implications of Non-Regulatory Compliance.”
According to Solebo, the engagement will provide a platform for regulators, manufacturers, retailers and consumer advocates to discuss compliance obligations and practical solutions that improve market transparency.
He explained that the forum reflects the commitment of both agencies to protecting consumers while promoting accountability among businesses operating in Lagos State.
The event will bring together representatives from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Retail Council of Nigeria (RCN), the National Association of Supermarket Operators, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), consumer advocacy organisations and other relevant regulatory bodies.
Participants are expected to deliberate on regulatory standards, enforcement mechanisms and strategies for strengthening consumer rights across various sectors.
The discussions will also focus on improving compliance with price display regulations and ensuring that consumers receive clear and accurate product information before making purchasing decisions.
Solebo noted that transparent pricing remains an important aspect of consumer protection because it enables buyers to make informed choices and compare products fairly.
He added that the engagement would also examine minimum product labelling requirements to ensure that consumers have access to essential information such as ingredients, manufacturing details, usage instructions and expiry dates where applicable.
Another major topic on the agenda is the implementation of effective return, exchange and refund policies for defective or unsatisfactory products.
The organisers believe that improving compliance in these areas will strengthen consumer confidence and encourage ethical business practices.
The forum will also explore practical approaches to handling consumer complaints promptly and fairly while reducing disputes between businesses and customers.
According to Solebo, the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC, Dr. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Dorcas Otti, is expected to represent the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, at the engagement.
The participation of key regulators is expected to enrich discussions and provide stakeholders with guidance on existing consumer protection laws and compliance expectations.
LASCOPA has also encouraged residents across Lagos State to contribute to the conversation by submitting questions, observations and consumer-related concerns ahead of the event.
Consumers can send their contributions through the agency’s dedicated email address, where submissions will be considered during the stakeholder discussions.
Solebo emphasised that public participation remains important because consumer experiences often provide valuable insights for policy development and regulatory improvements.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts by both agencies to build a marketplace that is transparent, competitive and responsive to consumer needs.
Officials say stronger collaboration between regulators and the private sector will help improve compliance while creating a healthier business environment.
The forum is also expected to encourage businesses to adopt best practices that support customer satisfaction and long-term consumer trust.
LASCOPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that consumers receive quality goods and services while businesses operate in accordance with established legal and ethical standards.
The organisers have urged all invited stakeholders to participate actively, noting that collective action remains essential to strengthening consumer protection across Lagos State.
They expressed optimism that the engagement will produce practical recommendations capable of improving compliance, promoting transparency and fostering a more consumer-friendly marketplace.
Through sustained collaboration, LASCOPA and the FCCPC hope to deepen public awareness of consumer rights while encouraging businesses to embrace practices that support fairness, accountability and confidence in commercial transactions.
