The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has urged businesses to comply with the state and federal consumer protection laws to safeguard consumers’ rights.
The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Mr Afolabi Solebo, gave the warning in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
The statement was signed by the agency’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mr Adesile Rufai.
Solebo urged businesses to treat consumer complaints and redress processes seriously, stressing the need to comply with applicable consumer protection laws.
He said the agency would, henceforth, sanction businesses that deliberately failed to honour scheduled mediation sessions on legitimate consumer complaints.
He added that the agency could seal the premises of businesses found violating consumer protection regulations, where authorised by law.
“Practices that will attract regulatory intervention include unfair trade practices; misleading advertisements; deceptive pricing; hidden charges, and poor service delivery.
‘’Others include the manufacture or sale of substandard, counterfeit or unsafe products,” he said.
According to him, offenders can face penalties prescribed by law, including fines, enforcement orders, suspension of operations, prosecution or the sealing of their premises.
Solebo appealed to consumers with unresolved complaints to remain patient, noting that delays often occurred when businesses ignored invitations to mediation sessions.
He encouraged consumers to retain receipts, invoices, warranties and other relevant documents to support their complaints and facilitate the resolution of disputes.
The general manager reaffirmed Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to protecting consumers and promoting a fair business environment in Lagos State.
He said consumer protection was a shared responsibility that required cooperation between businesses and consumers to build a transparent, accountable and consumer-friendly marketplace.
Solebo urged businesses to uphold ethical practices and comply with relevant laws, while encouraging consumers to report violations and seek redress through appropriate channels.
