LASCOPA Warns Consumers to Stay Alert Against Festive Season Exploitation

As the vibrant December festivities descend upon Lagos, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a rigorous advisory, urging residents and visitors alike to exercise extreme caution while engaging with service providers across the state. The Agency noted that the holiday season, while bringing an expected surge in commercial transactions, regrettably also presents fertile ground for sharp practices, consumer exploitation, and the widespread circulation of substandard or expired products. General Manager, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, emphasised the need for consumers to prioritise their safety, demand absolute transparency in transactions, and ensure they receive full and commensurate value for their expenditures throughout the celebratory period.

​A significant focus of the Agency's warning centers on the accommodation sector, which sees a massive influx of guests. Mr. Solebo specifically cautioned hotels and short-let operators against leveraging rigid “no-refund” policies as a shield to exploit unsuspecting guests. He strongly advised consumers to meticulously read terms and conditions before confirming reservations, to verify rooms either physically or through guaranteed authentic images, and to insist on receipts or digital proof of payment. Consumers were further encouraged to promptly report any instances where services demonstrably fall below the agreed-upon standards, ensuring accountability in the hospitality industry.

​Solebo also raised serious alarm regarding the proliferation of counterfeit and hazardous goods that flood the market during holiday shopping sprees. The concerns specifically target the circulation of fake, expired, and repackaged items, particularly alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, perfumes, children's toys, electrical appliances, and various food items. To mitigate health risks and financial losses, the Agency has instructed consumers to be diligent: they must thoroughly check expiry dates, confirm mandatory NAFDAC registration numbers, scrupulously scrutinise packaging integrity, and restrict purchases to reputable or traceable vendors.

​Reaffirming its unwavering mandate to safeguard the rights and safety of every consumer in Lagos, LASCOPA has announced a substantial intensification of its monitoring and enforcement activities throughout the festive period. This proactive measure is designed to ensure strict compliance with all established consumer protection standards. The Agency issued a stern warning to all businesses to immediately cease any exploitative practices, stressing unequivocally that all offenders identified will face swift and appropriate sanctions as dictated by the law, thereby protecting the integrity of the marketplace.

LASCOPA ensured the public is well-informed about the multiple available channels for lodging complaints against errant businesses. Consumers can easily reach the Agency via dedicated hotlines on 08124993895 and 09153894878, or visit its Head Office in Ikeja, along with its numerous annex offices spread across Badagry, Ikorodu, Isolo, Bariga, Ikoyi-Obalende, and Ojo LGAs. Complaints can also be submitted digitally via email at lascopa@lagosstate.gov.ng or lasgcopa@gmail.com, and through their social media handles on Facebook, Instagram, and X. The ultimate message is a call for alertness, informed decision-making, and a safe, scam-free festive season.