Refer Consumer Complaints to Appropriate Agencies – LASCOPA tells Police, Lawyers
By Oluwatope Lawanson
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has called on the police and lawyers to refer consumer protection-related complaints to agencies legally empowered to handle them.
The agency’s General Manager, Mr Afolabi Solebo, made the call during a mediation session at the LASCOPA office in Ikeja.
Solebo noted that consumer protection agencies were established to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers and promote fair and ethical business practices within the marketplace.
He appealed to police and other law enforcement agencies to refer consumer protection-related complaints to agencies legally established and empowered to address violations of consumer rights.
Solebo also implored lawyers to advise their clients to seek redress through LASCOPA in matters relating to breaches or violations of consumer rights before resorting to litigation in court.
He encouraged consumers to understand their fundamental rights and responsibilities, stressing the importance of speaking up and reporting violations responsibly.
He said: “Residents and consumers across Lagos should report cases of unfair treatment, exploitation and unethical business practices to the appropriate consumer protection and regulatory agencies.”
According to him, this will enable proper investigation, mediation and redress.
He listed some issues that should be reported to consumer protection agencies to include sale of fake, substandard, hazardous or expired products, false advertising, and deceptive business practices.
According to him, the others are overpricing and hiding of charges, unfulfilled promotions or discounts, poor service delivery, refusal to honour warranties or agreements, and any other form of consumer exploitation and abuse.
The general manager advised consumers to retain receipts, invoices, warranties and other relevant documents as evidence to support their complaints and facilitate resolution of disputes.
He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to protecting consumers against unfair and unethical practices, and urged residents to make use of appropriate regulatory channels when seeking redress.
“Consumers are advised to report complaints to the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency or the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission through their official social media platforms.”
The general manager listed the LASCOPA hotlines as 08124993895 and 09153894878, and its toll-free line as 08000052726.
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