Govt warns against exploiting consumers

The Lagos State Government has maintained its unwavering stance against any violation of consumer rights in the state.

The government said its stringent stance would ensure fair treatment for residents in the state.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, gave the assurance during a press conference at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja on Thursday.

Solebo’s assurance followed growing concerns about reported cases of exploitation and malpractice by some businesses operating within the state.

He said, “We will not tolerate any actions or practices that undermine the rights of consumers in Lagos State. The government’s zero-tolerance policy extends to various sectors, including retail, hospitality, telecommunications, and financial services. Any business found guilty of infringing on consumer rights will face severe penalties, including fines and possible closure of operations.”

Solebo stated that World Consumer Rights Day was observed annually on March 15th to raise awareness about consumer rights and advocate for fair treatment and protection of consumers worldwide, with a focus on specific themes relevant to contemporary consumer issues every year.

“The need to ensure that consumers are protected can never be overemphasised because we are all consumers of one form of product or service at one time or another.

“You are either a consumer of goods or services. This makes it imperative for relevant stakeholders all over the world to take the promotion of consumer rights as a collective responsibility,” Afolabi stated.

Solebo described the theme for this year’s Consumer Rights Day, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” as “timely and reflective of  the changing landscape of consumer behavior in an increasingly technology-driven world.”