Consumer protection guides against market abuses, injustices, says Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governnor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the essence of consumer protection agency is to guide against market abuses and social injustices which undermine rights of consumers. Governor Sanwo-Olu said
Lagos State Governnor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the essence of consumer protection agency is to guide against market abuses and social injustices which undermine rights of consumers.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said this during the World Consumer Rights Day celebration organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in Ikeja.
The theme was “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”
Represented by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the commitment of the state government to continuously strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks for consumer protection.
According to him, consumer protection is 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 were 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.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs 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.
Represented by Permanent Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Babatunde Onigbanjo, Mrs Ambrose reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening consumer protection mechanisms, promoting fair trade practices, and ensuring product safety across the state.
According to her, a safe marketplace is the foundation of a prosperous economy.
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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.”
The commissioner commended LASCOPA for its efforts to protect consumers and promote ethical business practices.
LASCOPA’s General Manager, Mr Afolabi Solebo, called for continued reinforcement of mechanisms and public enlightenment initiatives to ensure consumer rights remained central to sustainable economic development in the state.
Solebo emphasised the need for stronger partnerships and innovative solutions to address emerging challenges in the digital marketplace and product standardisation gaps.
“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,” he said.
Solebo urged stakeholders to join forces in shielding consumers from substandard, counterfeit, and expired products, and deficient services, adding that consumer confidence is the bedrock of a thriving economy.
