The Lagos consumer protection agency warns that offenders could face fines, prosecution, suspension of operations or closure of their premises……
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned businesses across the state against ignoring scheduled mediation sessions over consumer complaints, threatening sanctions against defaulters.
The agency’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, issued the warning while speaking with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after returning from the 2026 International Bar Association Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
He urged manufacturers, retailers and service providers to comply with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law 2025, as amended, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
Solebo said businesses that failed to attend mediation sessions over legitimate consumer complaints could face enforcement measures, including the sealing of their premises where authorised by law.
“LASCOPA will now sanction businesses that deliberately fail to honour scheduled mediation sessions on legitimate consumer complaints. Where authorised by law, affected premises may be sealed. All businesses are required to treat consumer complaints and redress processes with utmost seriousness,” he said.
The agency identified unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements, deceptive pricing, hidden charges and poor service delivery as some of the issues that could attract regulatory intervention.
The manufacture or sale of substandard, counterfeit or unsafe products could also trigger enforcement action.
Solebo warned that businesses found violating applicable consumer protection laws could face fines, enforcement orders, suspension of operations, prosecution or the closure of their premises, subject to the relevant legal provisions.
He appealed to consumers with unresolved complaints to remain patient, explaining that delays often arise when businesses fail to respond to invitations to mediation sessions.
The LASCOPA chief also advised consumers to retain receipts, invoices, warranties and other relevant documents when filing complaints, noting that such records could help substantiate their claims.
He reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to protecting consumers and promoting a fair business environment in Lagos State.
According to Solebo, consumer protection is a shared responsibility that requires businesses and consumers to contribute to a transparent and accountable marketplace.
In March 2026, Solebo disclosed that LASCOPA had resolved more than 11,000 consumer rights violation cases and recovered over N860m for Lagos residents in the preceding five years.
He said the agency remained committed to ensuring that consumers received value for money and satisfaction from the products and services they purchased.
“Consumers must get value for money and satisfaction for whatever products they buy or services rendered,” he said.
Solebo urged residents to report violations rather than remain silent, stressing that the agency was established to promote fair business practices and provide avenues for consumers to seek redress.
“There is nothing like ‘no refund policy’. If you are not satisfied with a product or service, you have the right to seek redress,” he added.
He further disclosed that LASCOPA handles a significant number of complaints annually, resolving an average of at least 2,000 cases each year across different sectors of the economy.
