The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, says the agency has received over eleven thousand one hundred consumer complaints since its establishment in March 2018 and successfully resolved approximately over ten thousand four hundred and fifty cases, with over four hundred and thirty currently being processed and about two hundred referred to other relevant agencies.
The General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr Afolabi Solebo, shared these achievements at the inaugural Consumer Service Week and Award Ceremony held at Alausa, Ikeja.
Mr Solebo noted that LASCOPA has facilitated recoveries of over five hundred and thirty million, two hundred and sixty-six thousand Naira and more than fourteen thousand, nine hundred and one US dollars for consumers across various sectors, including electricity, automobiles, banking, healthcare, telecommunications, insurance, logistics, hospitality, food and beverages, and oil and gas, among others.
He emphasised that the agency has conducted multiple enforcement operations in supermarkets, open markets, and retail outlets to eliminate expired and hazardous products from the state.
Mr Solebo explained that LASCOPA is intensifying its consumer education campaigns through partnerships with the National Youth Service Corps, schools, trade associations, market leaders, and community groups to empower Lagos residents to know and assert their rights as consumers.
LASCOPA boss said, ‘as Lagos continues to grow as a megacity and economic powerhouse, the agency remains committed to intensifying enforcement, embracing innovation, and deepening partnerships to meet emerging consumer challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
He said that the Consumer Service Week and Award Day were created to celebrate excellence, transparency, and fairness, as well as to recognise individuals, government bodies, private sector operators, civil society organisations, the media, and compliant businesses for their invaluable contributions to promoting fair trade and consumer rights.
Mr Solebo said LASCOPA Consumer Appreciation and Award Day was set aside to celebrate excellence, transparency, fairness and our shared commitment to protecting the rights and safety of consumers in Lagos State.
This event will spotlight individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves in safeguarding consumer rights and promoting consumer-friendly practices. Today, we are not only appreciating stakeholders but also reflecting on the remarkable progress we have made together in ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and fair marketplace for all. Mr Solebo said.
He said, “Today, we celebrate your invaluable role in promoting fair trade, protecting consumer rights, and strengthening public trust in Lagos markets.
While we are proud of these milestones, we know there is still work to be done”.
Mr Solebo said he canvassed for collective efforts in building a Lagos where consumer rights are respected, businesses thrive on integrity, and every resident enjoys the assurance of safety, fairness, and value.
While proud of its achievements, Mr Solebo stated that the agency remains committed to enhancing enforcement, embracing innovation, and strengthening collaborations to address emerging consumer challenges in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Correspondent Taoreed Abdullahi reports that the event was attended by top government officials, award recipients from private organisations, stakeholders, partners, and consumers.
Reporting By Taoreed Abdullahi