The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned businesses operating in Lagos State against deceptive pricing in advertisements, raising concern over the growing trend of hidden charges and misleading price claims.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the general manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, on Monday, where he drew attention to how some entrepreneurs advertises goods and services at attractive prices only for consumers to face extra cost or conflicting terms at the point of purchase.

According to him, such actions weaken customers’ trust and go against established consumer protection laws. He emphasised that all advertised prices must be clear, accurate, and inclusive, noting that businesses have a duty to present pricing in a way that does not confuse or mislead buyers.

He warned that practices such as unclear pricing, fake discounts, and bait-and-switch tactics designed to lure unsuspecting customers would not be tolerated.

The LASCOPA boss also cautioned businesses that run promotions, discounts or raffle draws linked to sales to avoid using uncertain expressions like “while stock lasts,” explaining that such terms could violate consumer rights if not clearly defined.

He advised that businesses must state the exact duration of such offers, including clear start and end dates, as well as all conditions attached.

Solebo further noted that failure to follow fair pricing and advertising rules is an offence under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law, particularly under “the right to be informed,” adding that violators risk penalties, sanctions and possible prosecution.

“Failure to comply with fair pricing and advertising standards constitutes an offence under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law “the right to be informed” and will attract appropriate enforcement actions, including penalties, sanctions, and possible prosecution,” Solebo said.

He urged all business owners, including supermarkets, online vendors, automobile dealers, electronics stores, service providers, and retailers, to review their pricing methods and advertising practices to ensure full compliance with the law.

He also encouraged consumers to report cases of misleading pricing and false advertisements to the agency through its official complaint channels.

LASCOPA restated its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair, transparent, informed, and competitive marketplace across Lagos State.

A renewed crisis appears to be brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, as the fragile reconciliation between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, shows signs of breaking down.

Despite a high-level peace meeting held on Sunday, deep-seated disagreements persist, particularly over the contentious issue of automatic tickets for elected officials ahead of the next election cycle.

The crisis between Alia and Akume dates back to the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, when both leaders fell out over control of the party structure and political appointments in the state.

What began as a quiet disagreement soon escalated into a full-blown intra-party conflict, polarising the APC in Benue into two rival factions.

One faction, led by Austin Agada, remained loyal to Akume, while another group, under the leadership of then-state chairman Ben Omakolo, aligned with Governor Alia.

Tensions reached a boiling point in March 2026, when both factions conducted parallel congresses, each producing separate sets of party executives.

The Alia-backed faction insisted its congress followed due process and reflected the will of party members. However, the Akume-aligned group rejected the exercise and organised a separate congress, further deepening the leadership crisis.

In a decisive move, the national leadership of the APC eventually recognised the congress conducted by the Alia faction, which produced Ben Omale as chairman, effectively sidelining Agada and weakening Akume’s grip on the party structure in the state.

Concerned about the implications of the lingering crisis on the party’s electoral prospects, President Bola Tinubu intervened, urging both leaders to reconcile and work together ahead of future elections.

Sunday’s meeting was seen as a step in that direction. However, rather than cement unity, it exposed fresh fault lines. https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/03/gov-alia-akume-hold-peace-talks-in-benue/

At the centre of the renewed tension is a proposal put forward by Akume for the adoption of automatic tickets for Governor Alia and other elected APC officials in the state, including members of the National and State Assemblies.

Sources familiar with the meeting told DAILY POST that while Akume argued that automatic tickets would ensure continuity and reward for loyalty, the proposal was firmly rejected by the governor.

Alia reportedly insisted that all aspirants must go through a transparent primary process, warning that any attempt to impose candidates could trigger another internal crisis.

According to an insider: “While he agreed on other terms, the issue of automatic tickets was outrightly turned down. He is not ready to gamble with the structure of the party. He also does not want a situation where members of the National Assembly loyal to Akume return unchallenged.”

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Alia made his position unequivocally clear, dismissing the idea of automatic tickets.

He said: “Because the APC has made it very clear, Mr. President has stated this several times and the National Chairman of the APC also emphasized at the time that there is no automatic ticket.

“I believe this is merely a request, not a resolution. It is a prayer directed to the people of the state, urging them to reflect deeply and consider how they can support those currently serving.
“This is not an official position of either the national party or the federal government. As I understand it, this was a reconciliatory meeting. He has the right to make such appeals and offer prayers. It is essentially an appeal to the entire citizenry to see whether they can bring these individuals back. However, I think that approach is misguided.”

With competing interests, unresolved grievances and the battle for control still lingering beneath the surface, the party may be heading toward another round of internal conflict, just as preparations for the 2027 election cycle begin to gather momentum.

A former Kano governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2023 elections, Salisu Tanko Yakasai, has cautioned that the emerging division within Nigeria’s opposition could recreate the dynamics that led to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in 2023.

Reacting to the alignment of Peter Obi and Musa Kwankwaso with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Yakasai said the formation of two opposition blocs, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the NDC , may split votes and ultimately benefit the ruling party in the 2027 general election.

In a post shared on X, Yakasai described the development as a “blessing in disguise,” arguing that while many Nigerians had hoped for a united opposition front, a single coalition might have faced legal and political challenges that could have kept it off the ballot.

He suggested that the existence of two opposition platforms could complicate any attempt to sideline them, forcing the government to either allow both parties to participate or risk backlash over Nigeria’s democratic credentials.

According to him, the more likely outcome is that both the ADC and NDC will contest the election, resulting in a divided opposition at the presidential level , a scenario he believes would favour Tinubu.

“In that context, the more likely scenario I foresee happening is that Tinubu allows both parties (ADC and NDC) to contest, resulting in a divided opposition heading into 2027. If that happens, we may see a repeat of the 2023 pattern at the presidential level (because this will definitely favour Tinubu), while the ADC and NDC make significant gains in National Assembly races, particularly across the North and East,” he wrote.

Despite the split, Yakasai reaffirmed his loyalty to the ADC and urged both camps to reduce tensions and remain open to future cooperation.

“Politics has a way of bringing unlikely partners back to the table,” he said, noting that collaboration may still become necessary ahead of the 2027 polls.

Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has shut down more than 40 facilities across Lagos State for breaching established noise pollution regulations.

The General Manager of the agency, Babatunde Ajayi, made this known over the weekend during an inter-district essay competition organised for selected secondary schools in Lagos.

Ajayi said the enforcement exercise is part of ongoing efforts to reduce excessive noise levels across the state, adding that the crackdown has covered religious centres, entertainment spots, event venues, and other major contributors to noise pollution.

He explained that noise control enforcement has been sustained over time as part of the agency’s routine regulatory operations.

“The noise pollution problem we have in Lagos is something we have keenly addressed over the past few years. We have continued and sustained enforcement across board,” he said.

According to him, over 40 facilities were sealed within the space of a week, stressing that such monitoring and enforcement activities have become continuous.

He, however, expressed concern that some operators still flout environmental rules even after being penalised, warning that persistent offenders risk permanent closure.

Ajayi also outlined the approved permissible noise levels across different categories of land use in the state.

He stated that educational environments have the lowest threshold at about 35 decibels, while residential areas are permitted up to 65 decibels during the day and 55 at night.

He added that mixed-use zones allow slightly higher levels, while commercial areas are permitted up to 70 decibels during daytime operations.

Industrial zones, he noted, have the highest limit, reaching up to 90 decibels during the day.

Residents were urged to familiarise themselves with these standards and comply fully with environmental guidelines to help reduce noise pollution in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Noise Control Unit at LASEPA, Abosede Natufe, encouraged participating students to serve as advocates for noise awareness within their communities.

She said the essay competition was designed to improve understanding of noise regulation and promote responsible environmental behaviour among young people.

The winner of the 2026 International Noise Awareness Day competition, Ayodele Oluwanifemi of Alimosho Senior Grammar School, also called for stronger enforcement of noise control laws nationwide.

LASEPA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement and compliance monitoring, noting that the initiative is aimed at promoting a healthier and more livable environment across Lagos State.

Following a recent incident in which suspected villagers pelted a moving train with stones along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised fresh concerns over escalating attacks on its train operations rail corridor.

Around kilometre 177 on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, the Corporation explained that the attack on the train took place where a group of unidentified persons gathered along the rail track and hurled stones at a passing train, damaging the windscreen of the lead locomotive.

Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC spokesman, in a statement, stated that the development is alarming, saying that similar incidents have been recorded in the past two weeks, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to the statement, “About six attacks have been documented along the corridor within this period, posing significant threats to passenger safety, railway personnel, and critical infrastructure.”

The statement also explained that the repeated acts are not only dangerous but amount to economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining government investments in the railway sector.

The NRC observed that train services have continued under heightened safety measures, with railway staff maintaining strict vigilance to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely despite the attacks.

The NRC said that efforts are ongoing in collaboration with security operatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, identify those responsible, and bring perpetrators to justice with a view to bringing an end to the attacks.

It enjoined communities residing along railway lines to support the protection of railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities to authorities and discouraging criminal actions.

It warned that continued attacks could disrupt service delivery if urgent and collective action is not taken.

No fewer than 12 facilities, including hotels, shopping complexes, and residential buildings, have been shut down by the Lagos State Government over repeated violations of lift and elevator safety regulations.

The affected properties are located in key areas such as Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1 and parts of Ikeja.

Among the sealed facilities are The Heritage/AXA on Awolowo Road, Ikeja; Mosesola House, Debour House, and Bosch House on Soji Adepegba Close; Bridge View, Elizabeth Court, 10Bou Towers, Brion Court, Footprints Apartments, Lekki Luxury Flats, and Brasas Mall on Admiralty Way, Lekki.

The enforcement exercise, carried out last Thursday, was led by the Lagos State Safety Commission.

In a statement released on Sunday, the commission said the action followed persistent non-compliance by several property owners and operators with mandatory lift and elevator safety requirements.

It explained that the affected buildings failed to register their lift systems with the state government for proper inspection, maintenance, and safety oversight.

Leading the enforcement team, the Commission’s Chief Scientific Officer, Sovi Tijani, who represented the Director-General, Lanre Mojola, said the crackdown became necessary due to continued disregard for regulatory directives.

He noted that proper registration of elevators is critical for routine inspections and ensuring the safety of users in both commercial and residential buildings.

According to him, the affected facilities had received multiple notices and reminders but did not comply within the stipulated timeframe.

“We duly served them notices, informing them of the need to comply before the expiration of the deadline, but they failed to do so.

“Some refused to acknowledge or collect the letters from our officials, while others attempted to obstruct our personnel during enforcement,” Tijani said.

Tijani emphasised that the commission would sustain its enforcement efforts to safeguard lives and property, warning that poorly maintained elevators pose serious risks.

The commission urged building owners and facility managers to comply with safety regulations by registering their lift systems and ensuring regular maintenance in line with government standards.

It reiterated its commitment to enforcing compliance and maintaining a safe environment, adding that defaulters would continue to face sanctions until all requirements are met.

Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has criticised Peter Obi over alleged plans to dump the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC).

Speculations about Obi’s possible defection have intensified following the recent Supreme Court judgment that ended the prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC. Although no official confirmation has been issued by Obi or his camp, some political observers believe he may be weighing a move to the NDC in the wake of the ruling.

In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Ahmad suggested that such a move, if true, would reflect an attempt to avoid internal party competition.

“Reports and indications suggest that Peter Obi and his blind supporters are reconsidering another political move away from their current platform, the ADC,” he wrote.

“The question here is whether Peter is leaving to escape standing against other aspirants within his party. It is the same path he once embraced in 2022 leading to the 2023 presidential election,” he added.

He further argued that party primaries remain a key test of democratic strength and leadership credibility.

“If a political figure appears so afraid to test their popularity within their own party structure, it naturally leads to questions about how they intend to build the broad national consensus required to lead a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria,” Ahmad stated.

He maintained that internal party contests are fundamental to democracy, adding that difficulty in competing within a party raises broader questions about national leadership capacity.

“Party primaries are a fundamental pillar of democracy. If Peter struggles to compete fairly among fellow aspirants within his party, it becomes difficult to convincingly argue that he can unify and lead an entire nation with diverse interests and strong political contenders,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi has not publicly reacted to the defection speculation.

Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has adopted consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, effectively ruling out contests across constituencies.

Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the decision shortly after a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Abakaliki, describing the move as a product of extensive engagement within the party.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Ochudo Centenary City, the governor said the meeting was convened to deliberate on key party issues and to chart a unified course toward the next elections.

“As the leader of the party, we convened a meeting of stakeholders and deliberated on issues concerning our party,” Nwifuru said, noting that the outcome reflected a collective agreement among members.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said the consensus arrangement followed wide-ranging consultations initiated by the governor.

He explained that the process began about a week earlier when the governor notified stakeholders of plans to hold joint consultative meetings across the state.

According to Anyim, the consultations culminated in a broader stakeholders’ session where outstanding issues were resolved, leading to agreement on candidates for all elective positions.

“For the first time in the history of the state, stakeholders, electorates and party members were fully involved in selecting those who will fly the party’s flag,” he said.

He described the meeting as productive, adding that participants unanimously endorsed the consensus approach as the best option for party cohesion and governance.

Anyim said the decision implies that there will be no contest for party tickets in any constituency in the state.

“The implication is that there is no constituency that is going to be contested because we have reached consensus on all elective offices,” he said.

He commended the governor’s leadership style, attributing the outcome to his consultative approach and ability to unify party stakeholders.

The former Senate President expressed confidence that the inclusive process would enhance the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

“Because the people are part of the process, the election will be easier for us to win,” he added, assuring that party members across the state would mobilise support for APC candidates.

He also disclosed that the names of the consensus candidates for various positions would be released in a formal statement.

The stakeholders’ meeting, which began at about 4:00 p.m., ended late in the evening after deliberations on party strategy and candidate selection.