The Lagos State Government has advised residents to report cases of unfair business practices, consumer exploitation and unethical conduct to relevant consumer protection agencies rather than approaching the police as the first point of action.
Government Advisory on Consumer Complaints
The government gave the advice on Tuesday through a post on its official X handle, quoting the General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Afolabi Solebo. According to Solebo, matters that fall within the jurisdiction of consumer protection agencies include the sale of counterfeit, expired, substandard or hazardous products, misleading advertisements, hidden charges, inflated prices, failure to fulfil promotional offers, poor service delivery, refusal to honour warranties and other forms of consumer abuse.
Importance of Documentation
He also urged consumers to keep receipts, invoices, warranties, product packaging and other relevant documents to support complaints and facilitate quicker dispute resolution processes. The government emphasized that reporting to LASCOPA ensures specialized handling of consumer issues, leading to more effective outcomes compared to involving law enforcement for non-criminal matters.
This advisory aims to streamline the complaint process and reduce the burden on police, allowing them to focus on criminal cases while consumer agencies address market-related disputes. Residents are encouraged to contact LASCOPA through its official channels for assistance with any consumer protection concerns.
