LASCOPA INTENSIFIES FIGHT AGAINST SUBSTANDARD PRODUCTS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CONSUMER PROTECTION
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting residents from the dangers posed by substandard, counterfeit, adulterated and unsafe products, describing the menace as a serious threat to public health, safety and economic development.
Speaking during an interview on LTV's ‘The Conversation’ programme, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo stated that Lagos, as Nigeria's commercial hub and gateway for goods entering the country, bears a critical responsibility to ensure that products sold within the State are safe, genuine and fit for purpose.
According to the General Manager, the proliferation of fake medicines, adulterated food and beverages, counterfeit electrical materials, expired products, substandard building materials and other unsafe consumer goods continues to endanger lives, undermine legitimate businesses and erode consumer confidence.
He noted that the Agency has adopted a proactive enforcement strategy centred on market surveillance, intelligence gathering, public enlightenment, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships with relevant regulatory and security agencies.
"LASCOPA remains committed to creating a safe, fair and transparent marketplace where consumers can purchase goods and services with confidence. Consumer protection is a shared responsibility, and we call on manufacturers, distributors, traders and consumers to join hands with the government in eliminating substandard products from our markets," he said.
The General Manager highlighted several achievements recorded by the Agency in recent years, including intensified compliance inspections and enforcement operations across over 2,559 retail outlets, leading to the sealing of supermarkets found selling expired and repackaged products.
He further disclosed that through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, LASCOPA has successfully resolved over 80 per cent of consumer complaints, recovering approximately ₦893,449,961.94 and US$38,582.46 in refunds, compensation, products and services for affected consumers. In addition, the Agency has imposed fines totalling over ₦40.4 million against offending businesses.
To strengthen preventive measures, the Agency has continued to carry out public awareness campaigns across markets, schools, traditional and digital media, educating consumers on how to identify genuine products, verify regulatory approvals and report suspicious activities through its complaint channels.
The General Manager also acknowledged the growing role of public participation and whistleblowing, noting that LASCOPA has leveraged social media and consumer reports to respond swiftly to complaints, often within 24 to 48 hours.
He assured Lagos residents that the Agency will continue to collaborate with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders to combat the circulation of unsafe products across the State.
"The fight against substandard products is not the responsibility of the government alone," he said. "Every consumer has a role to play by purchasing from reputable outlets, checking product information carefully, and reporting suspicious products. Together, we can build a safer and more trusted marketplace for all Lagosians."
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