The Lagos State Government has recovered more than ₦450 million for consumers through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), aiming to shield residents from unfair trade practices and exploitation. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, announced this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday.
Complaints and Resolutions
According to the commissioner, LASCOPA received 4,412 complaints from consumers within the review period and successfully resolved 3,687 cases using mediation and enforcement mechanisms. A total of ₦450,698,426.22 was recovered 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 the agency intensified market surveillance and enforcement operations across Lagos to curb deceptive business practices and protect consumer rights. LASCOPA monitored over 1,200 markets, supermarkets, stores, and service outlets during the period. These enforcement actions targeted unfair pricing, counterfeit products, expired goods, hazardous items, and other substandard products that could endanger 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. The state government will continue to improve complaint resolution mechanisms and intensify enforcement actions against businesses engaging in exploitative or illegal practices.
