LASCOPA Reiterates Commitment to Solve More Consumer Complaints

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, has treated not less than 1,983 consumer complaints as part of efforts to ensure that consumer rights are protected.

The General Manager, LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo Esq. disclosed this at the closing ceremony of Y2020 edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair themed “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” on Sunday.

In his presentation on the impact of LASCOPA in Lagos State, Solebo said that different types of complaints on services and goods purchased are forwarded daily to the Agency by aggrieved consumers, adding that since the inception of the Agency in March 2018, out of a total number of 2,162 cases reported, 1,983 cases received have been successfully resolved, 96 cases still ongoing, 83 cases have been closed and transferred while 14 cases are in a court of competent jurisdiction.

He averred that some of the issues involve debt collection and refund of money, impostor scams, telephone and mobile services complaints, Insurance Policies as well as Lotteries and thrifts, stating that others are Motor vehicles and Auto-related matters, Credit Bureau and bank loans, consumable goods as well as telephone and electronics sale matters.

According to him, LASCOPA is empowered by the enabling law to put checks in place to ensure producers are mindful of maintaining acceptable product quality and standards, stressing that the impact is also to promote healthy competition among producers as each of them has a goal which is to earn a large share of the market.

The General Manager declared that the aim of LASCOPA in Lagos State is to ensure that consumer protection will encourage local production, grow the economy and avoid over dependency on foreign-made goods, while ensuring that producers operate within certain acceptable standards to curb adulteration or substandard goods that can be hazardous to the health of the people of the State and its environs.

Solebo also submitted that consumer protection will help boost the image of the State and country as a whole, hence making the environment safe and secure for existing and potential investors, foster fair treatment, responsible lending and the provision of dispute resolution which are all necessary to leverage economic growth.

While noting that the services of LASCOPA are rendered free of charge and at no cost to the consumers, he urged all residents to take advantage of the opportunity by forwarding their complaints to the Agency to ensure their rights are protected.

He enjoined consumers to submit their complaints by visiting the office of LASCOPA at 2b, Soji Adepegba Close, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja or send to the Agency’s e-mail addresses: lascopa@lagosstate.gov.ng and lascopa@gmail.com