The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents from the growing threat of substandard, counterfeit, adulterated, and unsafe products across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that LASCOPA described the circulation of fake and unsafe goods as a major concern capable of affecting public health, consumer confidence, and economic growth within Lagos State.
Speaking during an appearance on LTV’s The Conversation programme, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, stressed the importance of safeguarding consumers in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
He noted that Lagos serves as a major entry point for goods into the country, making consumer protection a critical responsibility for the state government.
According to Solebo, the proliferation of counterfeit medicines, adulterated food items, expired products, substandard electrical materials, and poor-quality building supplies continues to pose significant challenges.
He explained that such products not only affect consumers but also undermine legitimate businesses operating within the state.
The General Manager disclosed that LASCOPA has strengthened its enforcement framework through market surveillance, intelligence gathering, public awareness campaigns, and strategic collaborations.
He said the agency remains focused on ensuring that only safe, genuine, and quality products are available to consumers.
Solebo emphasized that consumer protection requires collective responsibility from manufacturers, distributors, traders, and buyers alike.
He called on stakeholders to support government efforts aimed at eliminating fake and unsafe products from the marketplace.
According to him, LASCOPA has recorded notable achievements through its intensified compliance inspections and enforcement operations across Lagos.
The agency revealed that over 2,559 retail outlets have been inspected as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with consumer protection regulations.
These inspections led to enforcement actions against businesses found selling expired, repackaged, or improperly labeled products.
Solebo explained that the agency remains committed to maintaining a transparent and fair trading environment for all consumers.
He further highlighted the success of LASCOPA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism in addressing consumer complaints.
The agency has reportedly resolved more than 80 percent of complaints brought before it through mediation and lawful interventions.
Through these efforts, consumers have recovered refunds, compensation, products, and services valued at approximately ₦893.4 million and $38,582.46.
The agency also disclosed that fines exceeding ₦40.4 million have been imposed on businesses found guilty of violating consumer protection regulations.
Solebo stated that enforcement remains essential to promoting accountability and encouraging compliance among service providers and traders.
Beyond enforcement, LASCOPA continues to invest in public enlightenment initiatives aimed at empowering consumers with information.
The agency regularly conducts awareness campaigns across schools, markets, traditional media, and digital platforms.
These programmes educate consumers on identifying genuine products, verifying approvals, and avoiding suspicious purchases.
The General Manager encouraged residents to carefully check product labels, expiration dates, and certification marks before making purchases.
He also urged consumers to patronize reputable outlets and maintain proof of purchase whenever possible.
Solebo acknowledged the increasing role of public participation in strengthening consumer protection efforts across Lagos.
He noted that social media platforms and whistleblower reports have become valuable tools for identifying violations and addressing complaints quickly.
According to him, many complaints received through digital channels are resolved within 24 to 48 hours.
The agency assured residents that it would continue working closely with regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and relevant institutions.
These collaborations, he said, are designed to strengthen monitoring systems and improve market integrity.
LASCOPA reiterated that protecting consumers remains central to the state government’s broader economic and social development agenda.
The agency encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products or unethical business practices through its official complaint channels.
Solebo maintained that a safer marketplace benefits everyone by promoting trust, encouraging investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
He concluded by stressing that consumer awareness remains one of the strongest tools in the fight against counterfeit and unsafe products.
The agency expressed confidence that continued collaboration between government, businesses, and consumers would help create a more reliable marketplace across Lagos State.
