The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding residents from the health risks and financial losses associated with unsafe, expired, substandard, and counterfeit goods.
Zero Tolerance for Hazardous Goods
This assurance was disclosed by the General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr. Afolabi Solebo, during a press briefing held at the Agency’s Headquarters in Ikeja. The briefing was organized to mark the 2026 World Anti-Counterfeiting Day and World Food Safety Day, celebrated annually on June 6 and June 7, respectively.
Solebo emphasized that protecting consumers remains a pillar of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration, emphasizing that every Lagosian deserves unhindered access to safe, genuine, and quality products.
Unannounced Market Raids to Intensify
To achieve this, LASCOPA is prepared to escalate its enforcement activities through aggressive, unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, warehouses, and distribution outlets across the metropolis.
“LASCOPA will continue to intensify its enforcement activities through routine and unannounced inspections across the State to identify, seize, and remove expired, substandard, and counterfeit products from circulation. We are strengthening our collaboration with regulatory bodies and security institutions to ensure that individuals and businesses involved in the production, importation, distribution, or sale of harmful products are brought to justice,” Solebo stated.
Empowering Consumers Through Whistleblowing
The agency is also expanding its public awareness campaigns through its Consumer Education Department to teach residents how to identify counterfeit products and utilize available channels to seek redress.
Solebo urged the public to embrace the agency’s dedicated whistle-blower initiative, “When You See Something, Say Something,” urging shoppers to meticulously check expiry dates, certification marks, and product labels before making purchases.
How to Report Substandard Products
To maintain Lagos State’s status as a mega-city that upholds the highest standards of safety, quality, and integrity, the government called on traders, manufacturers, and distributors to practice self-regulation and ethical business standards.
Residents are urged to promptly report suspected cases of counterfeit or unsafe products by calling LASCOPA’s toll-free line at 0800 005 2726, reaching out via official social media platforms, or visiting the Ikeja headquarters and its various annex offices across local government areas.
Share this
