Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding residents from unsafe, expired, substandard and counterfeit goods, as the state joins the global community to mark the 2026 World Anti‑Counterfeiting Day and World Food Safety Day. The assurance was given by the General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr. Afolabi Solebo, during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. Solebo stated that consumer protection remains a major priority of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo‑Olu administration, insisting that every resident deserves access to safe, genuine and quality products.
According to Solebo, LASCOPA will intensify its enforcement activities through routine and unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, warehouses and distribution outlets across the state to identify, seize and remove expired, substandard and counterfeit products from circulation. He disclosed that the agency is strengthening collaboration with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, regulatory bodies, and security institutions to ensure that individuals and businesses involved in the production, importation, distribution or sale of harmful products are brought to justice in accordance with existing laws. The General Manager further explained that LASCOPA’s Consumer Education Department will expand public awareness campaigns to educate residents on their consumer rights and responsibilities, methods for identifying counterfeit products, and available channels for reporting violations and seeking redress.
Solebo added that the agency is deepening partnerships with manufacturers’ associations, market leaders, regulatory agencies and civil society organisations to encourage compliance with safety standards, ethical business practices and self‑regulation within the market. He urged consumers to remain vigilant by checking expiry dates, certification marks, product labels and packaging before making purchases, while also encouraging them to promptly report suspected cases of counterfeit, expired or unsafe products through the agency’s official complaint channels. Describing Lagos as a mega‑city that must uphold the highest standards of safety, quality and integrity, Solebo called on traders, manufacturers, distributors and consumers to support government efforts aimed at ensuring a safer marketplace for all.
The General Manager also appealed to residents to embrace the agency’s whistle‑blower initiative, “When You See Something, Say Something”, noting that it is designed to combat the circulation of counterfeit, fake and hazardous products within the state. Residents are urged to lodge complaints or seek redress through LASCOPA’s toll‑free line (0800 005 2726), the agency’s official social media platforms, or by visiting its headquarters in Allen, Ikeja, as well as its annex offices located across local government areas and local council development areas. With the twin observances of World Anti‑Counterfeiting Day (6 June) and World Food Safety Day (7 June), LASCOPA’s renewed push signals a determined effort to rid Lagos markets of dangerous products and protect the health and well‑being of millions of consumers.
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