The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, has threatened to seal shops and business premises found selling fake, expired, adulterated or substandard products across the state.
The agency also urged residents to report businesses involved in unfair practices, including hidden charges, misleading advertisements and failure to display product prices.
LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, gave the warning during appearances on the ‘@AskLagos’ programme aired on Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM and Lagos Television, LTV.
Solebo said the agency had continued to identify supermarkets and retail outlets selling unwholesome products, but sustained monitoring and enforcement had helped reduce the practice.
“Enforcement actions would be publicised to raise public awareness, encourage compliance and deter further violations,” Solebo warned.
Speaking on price transparency, he urged consumers to report shops and supermarkets that fail to display the prices of their goods. He explained that visible price tags help shoppers make informed decisions and prevent discrepancies between displayed prices and checkout charges.
Addressing the “No Refund, No Return” policy adopted by some businesses, Solebo said such disclaimers do not automatically remove consumers’ legitimate rights to seek redress.
He encouraged residents who purchase defective, counterfeit, substandard or misrepresented products to lodge complaints with the agency.
The LASCOPA chief also advised consumers to check product labels, verify relevant registration details, examine expiry dates and keep receipts as proof of purchase.
He urged residents to report suspicious products, misleading advertisements, hidden charges and other unfair business practices, stressing that receipts could serve as evidence when disputes arise.
For online purchases, Solebo advised consumers to verify sellers, confirm payment terms and use secure payment channels. He also encouraged buyers to inspect goods before paying where payment on delivery is available, subject to the seller’s terms and applicable regulations.
He urged residents to report violations of their consumer rights rather than remain silent, noting that effective consumer protection required the joint efforts of consumers, businesses and regulatory authorities.
Solebo reaffirmed LASCOPA’s commitment to protecting consumers, promoting fair business practices and ensuring a transparent marketplace where residents receive value for their money.
He said residents can report complaints and suspected fake, expired or substandard products through the agency’s social media platforms and email.