Lagos Govt Steps Up War Against Fake and Unsafe Products Across Markets

(The Lagos State Government. Photo by Nairametrics)

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding residents from the dangers posed by counterfeit, expired, substandard, and unsafe products, announcing that efforts are being stepped up to rid markets and distribution outlets across the state of harmful goods.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr. Afolabi Solebo, made this known during a press briefing held in Ikeja as part of activities marking the 2026 World Anti-Counterfeiting Day and World Food Safety Day.

He emphasised that consumer protection remains a top priority of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, stressing that Lagos residents deserve nothing less than access to safe, genuine, and quality products.

Solebo disclosed that LASCOPA will sustain both routine and unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, warehouses, and distribution centres across the state, with a view to identifying and pulling harmful products from circulation.

He added that the agency is also deepening its collaboration with relevant government bodies, regulatory authorities, and security institutions to ensure that individuals involved in the production, importation, distribution, or sale of dangerous goods are held accountable.

According to him, the agency is also strengthening its partnerships with manufacturers’ associations, market leaders, and civil society organisations to promote compliance with safety standards, ethical business conduct, and self-regulation within the marketplace.

Solebo further announced plans to broaden LASCOPA’s public awareness campaigns, aimed at educating residents on their rights as consumers, how to spot fake products, and the available channels through which violations can be reported.

He urged Lagosians to be vigilant when shopping by always checking expiry dates, certification marks, and product labels before making any purchase.

The LASCOPA boss also called on traders, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers alike to support the collective effort to create a safer marketplace, and encouraged residents to embrace the agency’s whistle-blower initiative “When You See Something, Say Something.”

He directed anyone wishing to lodge a complaint or seek redress to reach out through LASCOPA’s toll-free line, its official social media channels, or by visiting the agency’s headquarters in Allen, Ikeja, or any of its annex offices spread across Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state.