Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has warned that it may shut down stores and other commercial premises caught offering counterfeit, expired, contaminated or poor-quality goods anywhere in the state.
The agency also called on residents to flag businesses engaging in unfair conduct, including undisclosed fees, deceptive advertising and the absence of displayed prices.
LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Afolabi Solebo issued the warning during the @AskLagos programme broadcast on Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM and Lagos Television, LTV.
Quick facts
- Businesses selling fake, expired, adulterated or substandard goods could face closure.
- Consumers are encouraged to report hidden charges, misleading promotions and missing price labels.
- Receipts, product labels, expiry dates and registration information can support consumer complaints.
- Online buyers should check sellers, payment conditions and secure payment options.
Solebo said LASCOPA continued to uncover supermarkets and other retail businesses with unsafe or unfit products on their shelves. However, continued inspections and enforcement activity had reduced the scale of the problem.
“Enforcement actions will be made public to build awareness, promote compliance and discourage additional breaches,” he said.
On pricing, Solebo asked shoppers to report stores and supermarkets that do not show the cost of their goods. Clear price labels allow customers to compare products properly and reduce differences between shelf prices and amounts charged at payment points, he said.
He also addressed “No Refund, No Return” notices used by some merchants, saying such statements do not automatically cancel consumers’ lawful entitlement to pursue remedies.
Residents who buy faulty, counterfeit, inferior or falsely described products should submit complaints to the agency, Solebo said.
Consumers should inspect labels, confirm applicable registration details, check expiration dates and retain purchase receipts, he added. Receipts can provide important evidence where disagreements with sellers arise.
The agency chief again urged residents to alert regulators to suspicious goods, misleading marketing, undisclosed charges and other forms of unfair trading rather than ignore potential violations.
For internet purchases, buyers should verify vendors, understand the payment arrangements and use protected payment methods, Solebo said. Where cash-on-delivery is offered, customers should examine items before making payment, subject to the seller’s conditions and relevant rules.
He said strong consumer safeguards depend on cooperation among buyers, companies and regulators. LASCOPA remains committed to defending consumers, supporting fair dealing and building a transparent market in which Lagos residents receive value for their spending, he said.
Complaints and reports involving suspected counterfeit, expired or substandard goods can be submitted through LASCOPA’s social-media channels and email.
