The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has called on businesses to comply with consumer protection regulations, urging manufacturers, retailers and service providers to uphold transparent pricing, proper product labelling and fair return and refund policies.
Eko Hot News reports that the call was made during the Joint LASCOPA–FCCPC Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Lagos. The event focused on improving compliance with consumer protection laws and strengthening collaboration between regulators and industry players.
The forum was organised in partnership with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Association of Supermarket Operators of Nigeria (ASON).
The engagement was themed, “Price Tagging, Minimum Labelling Requirements and Return/Refund: The Implications of Non-Regulatory Compliance.” It brought together government agencies, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumer rights advocates.
In his welcome address, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, described the forum as an important platform for promoting education, collaboration and continuous dialogue on consumer protection.
He said the partnership between regulators and businesses would help improve compliance with existing laws while strengthening trust between consumers and service providers.
Solebo noted that recent regulatory actions against businesses for failing to display prices, selling expired products, providing inadequate product information and refusing legitimate returns have highlighted the need for improved compliance.
He explained that transparent pricing, proper product labelling and consumer-friendly return policies are legal obligations under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law.
According to him, businesses should view compliance not as a burden but as an investment that enhances customer confidence, protects brand reputation and supports long-term growth.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, was represented by the Commission’s Southwest Coordinator, Dr. Olubunmi Dorcas Otti.
She reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to protecting consumers while promoting a transparent, competitive and fair marketplace across Nigeria.
Dr. Otti stressed that accurate price display, clear product information and effective return and refund systems remain essential for building consumer confidence and encouraging ethical business practices.
Representing the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Engr. Ismaila Lawal urged consumers to look out for the SON Certification Logo when purchasing locally manufactured products.
He also encouraged buyers to ensure that product information is clearly written in English to help them make informed purchasing decisions.
Lawal advised manufacturers to maintain high production standards that comply with both national and international quality requirements.
He added that stronger collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders would improve consumer safety and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products.
Representing the Lagos State Coordinator of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Judith Ufuani emphasised the need to expand consumer education to communities across the state.
She called for continuous public awareness campaigns that educate residents about their rights and responsibilities as consumers.
According to her, stronger cooperation among government agencies, businesses and consumers will help create a more informed, responsible and transparent marketplace.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Supermarket Operators of Nigeria reaffirmed the commitment of supermarket operators to promoting transparent pricing and proper product labelling.
He said the association remains committed to supporting efficient consumer complaint resolution mechanisms that improve confidence in the retail sector.
The chairman noted that regulatory compliance benefits both businesses and consumers by promoting trust, encouraging repeat patronage and improving service delivery.
The stakeholders’ forum attracted manufacturers, supermarket operators, distributors, retailers, legal practitioners, consumer rights advocates and representatives of various consumer protection organisations.
Participants engaged in discussions on practical strategies for improving compliance with consumer protection regulations and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
One of the major highlights of the event was an interactive question-and-answer session where participants received clarification on regulatory requirements, consumer rights and business responsibilities.
The session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas on addressing common compliance challenges within Nigeria’s retail and manufacturing sectors.
At the end of the forum, participants agreed that transparent pricing, accurate product labelling and fair return and refund policies are fundamental to protecting consumers and supporting sustainable economic development.
They also emphasised that sustained compliance with consumer protection regulations will strengthen public confidence, encourage ethical business practices and contribute to a healthier business environment across Lagos State.
