Lagos govt directs police, lawyers to refer consumer complaints to LASCOPA

The Lagos State Government has urged the police, legal practitioners and other law enforcement agencies to channel consumer protection-related complaints to the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, for proper investigation, mediation and redress.

In a statement issued by the Lagos State government, the move was necessary to ensure proper investigation, mediation, and resolution of consumer-related disputes across the state.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq., made this known during a mediation session held at the agency’s office in Ikeja.

Solebo explained that consumer protection agencies were specifically created to protect the rights and interests of consumers while also promoting fair and ethical business practices in the marketplace.

According to him, complaints that should be directed to consumer protection agencies include the sale of fake, substandard, expired or hazardous products, among others.

The statement partly read; “Issues that should be reported to consumer protection agencies 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,” he said.  

He advised residents to always keep receipts, invoices, product packages, warranties and other important documents that could serve as evidence when filing complaints and resolving disputes.

The LASCOPA boss reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to protecting consumers from unfair and unethical business practices, urging residents to make use of the appropriate regulatory channels when seeking redress.

He also appealed to Divisional Police Stations, Area Commands, State Commands, Zonal Commands of the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to redirect consumer protection-related matters to agencies legally empowered to handle such complaints.

Solebo further called on legal practitioners to encourage their clients to seek resolution through LASCOPA in matters involving consumer rights violations before approaching the courts for litigation.

He stressed the need for consumers to understand both their rights and responsibilities, adding that residents should always speak up and report violations responsibly.

According to him, complaints can be reported to the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, or the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, through their official social media platforms.

Lagos govt directs police, lawyers to refer consumer complaints to LASCOPA