The Lagos State Government has called on residents to report cases of exploitation, unfair treatment and unethical business conduct to relevant consumer protection and regulatory bodies for investigation and resolution, rather than approaching the police as a first option.
The statement was obtained from the official handle of the Lagos State Government, outlining the government’s position on consumer complaints and the proper channels for redress within the state.
General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Afolabi Solebo Esq., made the appeal during a mediation session held at the agency’s Ikeja office on Tuesday.
He said consumer protection agencies are established to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers and to promote fair and ethical business practices within the marketplace.
He identified matters that fall within the jurisdiction of such agencies to 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 advised consumers to keep proper records when filing complaints.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring access to structured dispute resolution channels.
The LASCOPA boss also appealed to police authorities at divisional, area, state and zonal levels to refer consumer-related matters to the appropriate regulatory agencies established for such cases.
He added that legal practitioners should encourage clients to seek administrative redress through LASCOPA before considering litigation.
Solebo further encouraged consumers to understand their fundamental rights and responsibilities, stressing the importance of speaking up and reporting violations responsibly.
He urged residents to report complaints through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) or the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) via the approved channels.