Lagos Consumer Agency Warns Retailers Over Counterfeit Goods and Unfair Trade Tactics

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned commercial outlets across the state that premises discovered selling counterfeit, expired, adulterated, or substandard merchandise will be sealed. The regulatory body is also stepping up scrutiny over unfair commercial practices, including unlisted product pricing, hidden fees, and misleading marketing campaigns.

According to a report by Daily Post Nigeria, the warning was delivered by LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Afolabi Solebo during appearances on the state-run broadcast program ‘@AskLagos,’ transmitted via Lagos Traffic Radio and Lagos Television (LTV).

Tougher Enforcement and Public Sanctions

Solebo noted that regulatory surveillance continues to detect retail stores and supermarkets distributing unwholesome goods to unsuspecting shoppers. While sustained monitoring operations have contributed to a decrease in these violations, the agency plans to escalate its interventions.

To strengthen compliance and discourage repetitive infractions, LASCOPA confirmed that future enforcement actions will be made public. By publicizing operational crackdowns, the agency intends to build public awareness and establish stronger deterrence among retail operators operating within Lagos State.

Addressing Pricing Transparency and ‘No Refund’ Policies

A central focus of the agency’s directive is price clarity on store shelves. Solebo urged shoppers to report businesses that fail to visibly display price tags on retail items. Visible pricing, the agency explained, ensures buyers can make informed purchasing decisions while avoiding discrepancies between advertised costs and charges applied at point-of-sale checkouts.

The regulator also addressed the prevalent “No Refund, No Return” notices frequently displayed by local retailers. Solebo clarified that these merchant disclaimers do not strip consumers of their lawful rights to seek redress, especially when items turn out to be defective, substandard, mislabeled, or outright counterfeit. Under statutory consumer protection mandates, buyers who receive faulty or misrepresented goods maintain legitimate grounds to file formal complaints.

Guidelines for Shoppers and Online Transactions

To assist consumers in protecting themselves against fraudulent transactions, LASCOPA issued several practical guidelines for everyday commerce:

• Examine Packaging: Check item labels carefully, inspect expiry dates, and verify official regulatory registration details prior to purchasing.
• Retain Evidence: Maintain physical or digital receipts, which serve as essential proof of purchase during formal disputes.
• Practice Digital Caution: For e-commerce orders, verify merchant credentials, confirm transparent payment terms, utilize secure channels, and inspect packages prior to completing payments where delivery terms allow.

Solebo emphasized that maintaining a fair and safe commercial marketplace requires collective collaboration between residents, business owners, and regulatory authorities. Consumers encountering unfair practices or suspicious products were urged to lodge reports directly through LASCOPA’s email and social media communication channels.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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