The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to continuously strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks for consumer protection through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).

The state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this at the World Consumer Rights Day celebration organised by LASCOPA with the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers” on Tuesday in Lagos.

The event marked the global celebration of World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, to raise awareness about consumer rights and needs.

The governor was represented by the Lagos State Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Mr Sanwo-Olu stressed that consumer protection was no longer a peripheral concern but a matter of public safety, economic stability, and social justice.

He noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of Africa’s largest consumer markets, had a profound responsibility to ensure goods and services are safe, reliable, and fairly presented.

He said, “Every safe product builds trust. Every protected consumer strengthens the economy. Also, every confident consumer contributes to a healthier and more prosperous society.”

The governor commended LASCOPA for its critical role in investigating complaints, mediating disputes, promoting fair trade practices, and educating residents about their rights and responsibilities.

He urged businesses to prioritise safety, transparency, and quality, and consumers to understand their rights and become active participants in maintaining market integrity.

The state Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, said the government was working closely with LASCOPA to strengthen market surveillance and enforce regulatory standards.

“It also educates consumers on their rights and responsibilities,” she added.

The commissioner was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Babatunde Onigbanjo. 

She also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen consumer protection mechanisms, promote fair trade practices, and ensure product safety across the state.

According to her, a safe marketplace is the foundation of a prosperous economy.

She said, “When consumers are confident in the safety and quality of the products they purchase, businesses thrive, innovation flourishes, and economic growth becomes sustainable.”

Ms Ambrose urged consumers to remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in reporting unsafe or suspicious products, stating that consumer protection was a collective responsibility.

She highlighted roles expected of consumers to include verifying the authenticity and integrity of products, reporting unsafe or suspicious products, understanding consumer rights and responsibilities and making informed purchasing decisions.

The commissioner commended LASCOPA for its efforts to protect consumers and promote ethical business practices.

She assured that the state government remained committed to protecting consumer rights and ensuring a fair, transparent, and safe commercial ecosystem.

Earlier, LASCOPA’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, called for continued reinforcement of mechanisms and public enlightenment initiatives to ensure consumer rights remain central to sustainable economic development in the state.

Mr Solebo emphasised the need for stronger partnerships and innovative solutions to address emerging challenges in the digital marketplace and product standardisation gaps.

He said, “We must continue to reinforce enforcement mechanisms, expand public enlightenment initiatives, and ensure that consumer rights remain central to sustainable economic development in Lagos State.”

Mr Solebo urged stakeholders to join forces in shielding consumers from substandard, counterfeit, and expired products and deficient services, adding that consumer confidence was the bedrock of a thriving economy.

 (NAN)