Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State Government has issued a public advisory urging residents and consumers across the state to channel complaints of unfair treatment, exploitation and unethical business practices to the appropriate consumer protection and regulatory agencies rather than resorting to the police as a first point of contact. The call was made by the General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Afolabi Solebo Esq., during a mediation session at the agency’s Ikeja office on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Solebo explained that consumer protection agencies are specifically established to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers and to promote fair and ethical business practices within the marketplace.
According to Solebo, issues that should be reported to consumer protection agencies include the sale of fake, substandard, hazardous, or expired products; false advertising and deceptive business practices; overpricing and hidden charges; unfulfilled promotions or discounts; poor service delivery; refusal to honour warranties or agreements; and other forms of consumer exploitation and abuse. Solebo encouraged consumers to always retain receipts, invoices, product packaging, warranties, and other relevant documents as evidence to support their complaints and facilitate prompt resolution of disputes.
The General Manager reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to protecting consumers against unfair and unethical practices and urged residents to make use of the appropriate regulatory channels when seeking redress. He also appealed to Divisional Police Stations, Area Commands, State Commands, Zonal Commands of the Nigeria Police Force, and other government law enforcement agencies to refer consumer protection‑related complaints to agencies legally established and empowered to address violations of consumer rights. In the same vein, he implored legal practitioners to advise their clients to seek redress through LASCOPA in matters relating to breaches or violations of consumer rights before resorting to litigation in court.
Solebo further encouraged consumers to understand their fundamental rights and responsibilities, stressing the importance of speaking up and reporting violations responsibly. He advised consumers to report complaints to LASCOPA or the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) through their official social media platforms or via the hotlines provided. The LASCOPA hotlines are 081 2499 3895 and 091 5389 4878, while a toll‑free line (080 0005 2726) is available on weekdays only.
The advisory marks a significant push by the Lagos State Government to streamline dispute resolution and reduce the burden on law enforcement agencies, which are often ill‑equipped to handle consumer‑related disputes. By directing consumers to the proper regulatory channels, the government hopes to achieve faster and more effective resolutions while freeing up police resources for criminal matters. Solebo stressed that mediation and arbitration through LASCOPA are often quicker, less adversarial, and more cost‑effective than litigation or police intervention. The agency has recorded several successful mediations in recent months, resolving disputes between consumers and businesses ranging from electronics retailers to real estate developers.
The Lagos State Government has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate consumers about their rights and the proper channels for redress. The campaign includes radio jingles, social media posts, and community outreach programmes. Solebo appealed to market associations, trade unions, and civil society organisations to partner with LASCOPA in disseminating the message. “Consumer protection is a shared responsibility. When consumers speak up and report violations, they help to clean up the marketplace for everyone,” he said.
The advisory has been welcomed by consumer rights advocates, who have long complained about the tendency of citizens to resort to police stations for disputes that are essentially commercial or contractual. A spokesperson for the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria described the LASCOPA directive as “a step in the right direction,” noting that police cells are not designed to resolve disputes over faulty electronics or expired goods. However, some residents expressed concern that they were unaware of LASCOPA’s existence or its functions. In response, Solebo promised to intensify outreach efforts and to simplify the complaints process.
Consumers are encouraged to visit the LASCOPA office at Ikeja or to file complaints online through the agency’s website. The agency has also launched a WhatsApp line for quick reporting. As Lagos continues to grow as a commercial hub, the effective protection of consumer rights is essential to maintaining trust in the marketplace. The government’s message is clear: when a business cheats you, do not rush to the police station. Call LASCOPA instead.
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