Lagos Commences Aggressive Consumer Sensitisation

Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has commenced aggressive monitoring and sensitisation activities in markets, shops, supermarkets and various retail outlets to aid the protection of consumer rights across the State.

The General Manager of the Agency, Mrs. Kemi Olugbode, disclosed this in an interview after a recent enforcement exercise at one of the outlets of a multi-chain store in FESTAC Town.

According to her, the Monitoring Team, as well as the Consumer Education Team of the Agency have begun more aggressive campaign to enlighten consumers as well as traders to ensure that products displayed in supermarkets, local markets and other stores across the State are not hazardous.

She said that the Agency would be going to the hinterlands of Epe and Badagry to sensitise the people on the activities of LASCOPA as well as educate traders on the dangers of displaying unwholesome goods for sale to consumers.

Olugbode said that the move became imperative as the Agency had discovered that some supermarkets and retail shops still display some consumable products without vital details such as Expiration Date, Best Before Date, Production Date, Batch Number and other details needed by a consumer before making his or her purchases.

While emphasising the need for consumers to ensure careful examination of information and other vital details on products before making purchases, she urged them to lodge their complaints to the Agency whenever their rights are infringed upon.

Mrs. Olugbode also called on producers of consumable products to ensure that the required vital information for consumer education is boldly written, not only on the cartons used for packaging the products but also on the products as well.

She charged owners of supermarkets to ensure they furnish consumers with adequate information about the various products displayed on their shelves to enable buyers to make informed decisions before making purchases.

The LASCOPA boss said since inception, the Agency had received many complaints from consumers pertaining to aviation, banks, contracts, general merchandise, insurance, services etc. and had largely ensured amicable resolutions of the complaints.

She affirmed that the Agency would continue to promote the rights of consumers and protect them against hazardous, sub-standard products through regular public enlightenment.