The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has called on residents to actively report violations of their consumer rights, insisting that no business has the authority to deny refunds, repairs, or product replacements when goods or services fail to meet expected standards.
General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr Afolabi Solebo, made the appeal during a sensitisation programme in Victoria Island, expressing concern that many Nigerians still hesitate to lodge complaints due to lack of trust in government institutions.
Solebo urged consumers to speak out, especially in cases of “what you ordered versus what you got,” noting that silence only encourages dishonest business practices.
According to him, the agency has recovered ₦38,363,989 for consumers specifically in electronics-related complaints, stressing that many defective phones or gadgets sold as “new” often turn out to be used or substandard after investigation.
He dismissed the notion of a “no refund” policy as misleading and unlawful.
“There is nothing like a no-refund policy. If you buy a product and they claim it cannot be returned, it is a lie.
Any product of good standard should last its expected duration, and if issues arise under warranty, it must be addressed immediately,” he said.
Solebo advised residents to report violations through LASCOPA’s verified Social media handles or by visiting the agency’s office.
He added that consumers are within their rights to record evidence of poor hygiene or unsafe practices in restaurants.
“If you enter a restaurant and see flies everywhere, just record it and send it to any of our social media handles or call LASCOPA to help you,” he said.
Addressing recent allegations against an indigenous tomato paste brand, Solebo warned that while the agency is committed to protecting consumers, it will not tolerate false claims aimed at damaging credible businesses.
He also advised Lagos residents to stay alert during the festive season, noting that fake and substandard products typically flood the markets at this time of year.
Reporting by Gladys Haruna