The Lagos State Government has directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and businesses to disclose any significant changes made to consumer products before introducing the modified products into the market.
Eko Hot News reports that the directive was issued by the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Afolabi Solebo, as part of efforts to strengthen consumer protection and promote transparency.
Solebo said the state would no longer tolerate undisclosed changes that could mislead consumers about the products they purchase.
The directive covers changes involving product brands, packaging, labelling, formulation, ingredients, weight, size, quality and other important specifications.
According to LASCOPA, businesses must clearly inform consumers whenever a modification could influence their understanding or purchasing decisions.
Solebo said the agency would intensify market surveillance and enforcement activities to ensure that businesses comply with the directive.
He warned that companies found introducing undisclosed product modifications would face regulatory action under applicable consumer protection laws.
The LASCOPA chief said consumers have a right to receive accurate, clear and sufficient information about products before making purchasing decisions.
He explained that product modifications affecting identity, formulation, composition, ingredients, quality or quantity must be properly disclosed.
Changes to packaging, labelling and brand presentation must also be communicated where they could influence consumer choices.
Solebo stressed that accurate product information is a legal requirement and should not be treated as an optional business practice.
He said labels, packaging, advertisements and other consumer-facing descriptions must accurately represent the products being offered for sale.
The agency’s position is aimed at reducing confusion and ensuring that consumers understand what they are buying.
LASCOPA also directed businesses to adopt consistent methods for displaying essential product information.
Solebo specifically urged manufacturers to standardise the placement of the Date of Production, Best Before date, Expiry Date and Batch Number.
He also called for clear displays of measurements such as grams, kilograms, millilitres and litres.
According to him, uniform presentation would make it easier for consumers to find and verify important product details before purchasing.
The directive is expected to improve transparency across retail outlets, markets and other points where consumer goods are sold.
LASCOPA said businesses should review their existing products and packaging to ensure they comply with the applicable requirements.
The agency also reminded manufacturers and other businesses of their responsibilities under consumer protection legislation.
Solebo stated that failure to comply with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law 2025, as amended, would constitute a regulatory breach.
Businesses found to have violated the requirements could face administrative penalties and other sanctions prescribed by law.
The agency is expected to strengthen monitoring activities across different markets and business locations in Lagos.
The increased surveillance will focus on identifying products whose specifications or presentation have been altered without adequate disclosure.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to promote fair trading practices.
Consumer protection remains important in a market where buyers depend heavily on information provided by manufacturers and distributors.
Accurate product descriptions can help consumers make informed decisions and compare products effectively.
Clear information can also help buyers identify differences in product size, quantity, ingredients and quality.
The latest directive therefore places greater responsibility on businesses to ensure that their product information remains accurate.
Solebo urged consumers to remain alert when purchasing goods and services across the state.
He advised consumers to carefully examine product labels and compare available information before completing purchases.
Consumers were also encouraged to report suspected cases of misleading labelling or undisclosed product modifications to LASCOPA.
The agency has established complaint channels through its social media platforms and email for consumers seeking to report concerns.
Residents can contact the agency through its official Facebook, Instagram and X platforms or via its designated complaint email.
LASCOPA said consumer complaints would assist the agency in identifying businesses and products requiring further regulatory attention.
The agency’s enforcement approach is expected to encourage businesses to improve their compliance practices.
It could also promote greater accountability among manufacturers, importers and distributors operating within Lagos.
For consumers, the policy is expected to strengthen access to information about the goods available in the marketplace.
Businesses are therefore expected to ensure that any significant product modification is properly communicated before the product reaches consumers.
The requirement applies not only to physical packaging but also to advertisements and other descriptions used to promote products.
This means companies must ensure that their marketing materials accurately reflect the products being sold.
LASCOPA said transparency remains essential to maintaining confidence in Lagos’ marketplace.
The agency also emphasised accountability and fair trading as important standards for businesses operating in the state.
The directive comes as the Lagos State Government continues efforts to strengthen regulatory systems and protect residents from deceptive commercial practices.
Solebo reaffirmed LASCOPA’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights across Lagos.
He said the agency would continue to monitor compliance and take appropriate action where businesses fail to meet established requirements.
The government’s position is that consumers should have sufficient information to make informed purchasing decisions.
With increased surveillance and enforcement, businesses are expected to pay closer attention to product information and labelling requirements.
Consumers, meanwhile, are encouraged to remain vigilant and report questionable practices.
The latest directive signals a stronger regulatory focus on product transparency and consumer rights in Lagos.
