The Lagos State Government has announced the recovery of more than N450 million for consumers through interventions by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), reinforcing its commitment to shielding residents from unfair trade practices and exploitation.
LASCOPA Resolves Thousands of Complaints
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, disclosed this during the 2026 media briefing marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term. She stated that LASCOPA received 4,412 complaints from consumers during the review period and successfully resolved 3,687 cases through mediation and enforcement mechanisms. The agency recovered N450.69 million on behalf of aggrieved consumers across the state.
“A further 621 cases are ongoing, while 107 were referred to other state government agencies,” Ambrose-Medebem explained.
Market Surveillance and Enforcement
The commissioner noted that LASCOPA intensified market surveillance and enforcement operations to curb deceptive business practices and protect consumer rights. Over 1,200 markets, supermarkets, stores, and service outlets were monitored across the state. Enforcement operations targeted unfair pricing, counterfeit products, expired goods, hazardous items, and other substandard products endangering consumers.
Out of the businesses monitored, 1,152 outlets were found compliant with consumer protection regulations, while more than 48 non-compliant businesses were sanctioned or prosecuted. Ambrose-Medebem emphasized that the Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to strengthening consumer confidence, ensuring fair trade practices, and creating a safer commercial environment for Lagos residents. She added that the government will continue to improve complaint resolution mechanisms and intensify enforcement actions against exploitative or illegal practices.
Tourism and Creative Economy Boost
In a related development, the Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to position the state as Africa’s leading tourism, entertainment, and creative economy hub. Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, spoke during the same media briefing, stating that the administration leverages tourism, arts, entertainment, and culture as strategic tools for socio-economic development under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly the “Entertainment and Tourism” pillar.
The commissioner highlighted major milestones achieved in the last year, including landmark festivals, creative industry expansion, tourism-driven engagements, and heritage conservation initiatives. These efforts have further strengthened the state’s reputation as Africa’s entertainment and tourism capital.
