The Lagos State Government has advised residents and consumers across the State to report cases of unfair treatment, exploitation, and unethical business practices to the appropriate consumer protection and regulatory agencies for investigation, mediation, and redress, rather than resorting to the Police in the first instance.

The General Manager of Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq., during a mediation session at the Ikeja office today, stated that consumer protection agencies are established to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers and to promote fair and ethical business practices within the marketplace.

According to him, issues that should be reported to consumer protection agencies include the sale of fake, substandard, hazardous, or expired products; false advertising and deceptive business practices; overpricing and hidden charges; unfulfilled promotions or discounts; poor service delivery; refusal to honour warranties or agreements; as well as other forms of consumer exploitation and abuse.

Solebo further encouraged consumers to always retain receipts, invoices, product packaging, warranties, and other relevant documents as evidence to support their complaints and facilitate prompt resolution of disputes.

He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to protecting consumers against unfair and unethical practices and urged residents to make use of the appropriate regulatory channels when seeking redress.

The General Manager also appealed to Divisional Police Stations, Area Commands, State Commands, Zonal Commands of the Nigeria Police Force or other Government Law Enforcement Agencies to refer consumer protection-related complaints to agencies legally established and empowered to address violations of consumer rights.

In the same vein, he implored legal practitioners to advise their clients to seek redress through LASCOPA in matters relating to breaches or violations of consumer rights before resorting to litigation in court.

Furthermore, Solebo encouraged consumers to understand their fundamental rights and responsibilities, stressing the importance of speaking up and reporting violations responsibly.

He advised consumers to report complaints to Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) or the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) through their official social media platforms or via the following hotlines: LASCOPA Hotlines – 081 2499 3895 / 091 5389 4878 or
Toll-Free Line: 080 0005 2726 (Weekdays only)