Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
As Easter festivities approach, Lagos State authorities have issued a strong public alert urging residents to remain vigilant against fake, expired, and substandard products, misleading promotions, and unjustified price increases in markets and retail outlets across the city. The warning comes as increased demand for food, groceries, household items, and festive goods raises the risk of consumer exploitation.
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), empowered under state law to safeguard consumer rights, has intensified monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with product safety, quality standards, and fair pricing. Officials emphasised that traders failing to adhere to these standards could face legal consequences, including prosecution and business sanctions.
LASCOPA highlighted several risks consumers should guard against, including counterfeit goods mimicking branded products, expired consumables, and repackaged or tampered items presented as new. The agency also warned about deceptive marketing practices, such as placing deep discount labels on near-expiry goods without full disclosure. Consumers were urged to carefully check expiry and manufacturing dates, read labels, and seek clarification from sellers before making purchases.
Expired or unsafe products, especially perishable foods and medicines, pose serious health risks, according to regulators. Some sellers, motivated by economic pressures, have reportedly attempted to pass off near-expiry items under the guise of special offers. LASCOPA reminded shoppers to keep receipts and document any suspicious transactions as evidence for potential complaints or enforcement actions.
As part of its enforcement campaign, LASCOPA has conducted spot checks and inspections across supermarkets, open markets, and informal retail locations. Recent operations reportedly uncovered expired baby milk, beverages, personal care products, and other items on shelves. In one notable case, a supermarket in Festac was sealed after inspectors discovered goods that had passed their expiry date, and legal proceedings were initiated against the owner for noncompliance.
The agency also warned of individuals impersonating LASCOPA officials to extort money from business owners. Only authorised personnel acting through recognised channels are empowered to enforce compliance. Residents and traders were urged to report any suspicious approaches rather than comply with demands from unauthorised persons.
LASCOPA’s actions reflect the Lagos State government’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and maintaining market integrity. Officials noted that consumer protection is essential for public confidence and economic stability, and that the state will not tolerate unsafe, counterfeit, or substandard products. Enforcement is complemented by public education campaigns to ensure residents can make informed purchasing decisions.
Consumer advocacy groups welcomed the government’s vigilance, emphasizing that informed shoppers are better equipped to resist exploitation. Collaboration between regulators, market associations, and civil society was encouraged to promote ethical trading practices and empower consumers.
Lagos, with its fast-growing urban population and diverse retail environment, faces challenges including counterfeit goods and the complexity of online marketplaces. Authorities are exploring ways to extend consumer protection frameworks to digital sales channels to provide comprehensive safeguards.
For practical guidance, Lagosians are advised to check product labels, packaging, and regulatory approvals, compare prices across retailers, and avoid deals that seem unusually attractive. Complaints regarding counterfeit, expired, or substandard products should be submitted to official LASCOPA channels for investigation and redress.
The Easter consumer alert demonstrates Lagos State’s commitment to creating a safe and fair marketplace, combining enforcement and public awareness to protect residents and ensure confidence in commercial transactions during festive periods.
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