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By Chinenye Anuforo
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening consumer protection, eliminating unsafe products, and building public trust in the marketplace as stakeholders gathered to mark the 2026 World Consumer Rights Day.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, brought together government officials, regulators, and private sector players under the theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose, described consumer trust as a critical driver of economic growth, warning that unsafe and substandard products pose significant risks to both public safety and market stability.
She noted that in an increasingly interconnected global economy, ensuring product safety has become more urgent, citing reports that a high percentage of goods banned or recalled in some countries still find their way into online marketplaces.
“A safe marketplace is the foundation of a prosperous economy. When consumers are confident in the safety and quality of the products they purchase, businesses thrive, innovation flourishes, and economic growth becomes sustainable,” she said.
Ambrose stressed that Lagos, with a population of over 23 million people and millions of daily transactions across physical and digital markets, carries a huge responsibility in safeguarding consumers.
She disclosed that the state government is intensifying market surveillance and enforcement, insisting that unsafe, counterfeit, and substandard goods will not be tolerated.
“Products that are unsafe, counterfeit, or substandard have no place in our markets. We will continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance with regulatory standards,” she said.
The commissioner added that the government is also prioritising consumer education through public enlightenment campaigns and digital outreach to empower residents to identify quality products and report violations.
In his remarks delivered on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
He said consumer protection has evolved into a major issue of public safety and economic stability, especially in a megacity like Lagos where millions engage in daily commercial activities.
“A marketplace can only thrive where trust exists. When consumers trust the safety and quality of products, markets expand, but when that trust is broken, markets shrink,” he said.
Pedro highlighted growing global concerns over unsafe products, counterfeit goods, and poorly regulated services, noting that billions are lost annually due to defective goods and misleading practices.
He also raised concerns about cross-border e-commerce, where banned products in some jurisdictions are still accessible to consumers through digital platforms.
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“Consumer protection is no longer a peripheral concern; it is central to economic stability, public safety, and social justice,” he stated.
The Attorney General emphasized that while government continues to strengthen institutions like LASCOPA, consumer protection requires collective responsibility from manufacturers, importers, retailers, and consumers.
“Businesses must recognise that consumer safety is not merely a regulatory obligation but a cornerstone of sustainable enterprise,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, said the agency has continued to play a pivotal role in promoting consumer rights, resolving disputes, and ensuring fairness and accountability in the marketplace.
He described the celebration as more than a ceremonial gathering, noting that it serves as a platform to address emerging challenges such as digital marketplace risks, supply chain gaps, and the need for stronger consumer education.
“Consumer confidence is the bedrock of a thriving economy. When consumers trust that products meet established standards, businesses flourish and society prospers,” Solebo said.
He added that LASCOPA remains committed to shielding residents from substandard and counterfeit products through collaboration with government agencies and private sector stakeholders.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that as Lagos continues to expand as a major economic hub, ensuring product safety across both physical and digital markets will be critical to sustaining growth, protecting consumers, and enhancing investor confidence.
They called for stronger partnerships, improved regulatory enforcement, and increased public awareness to build a marketplace defined by safety, transparency, and fairness.
The 2026 World Consumer Rights Day celebration ended with a renewed call for collective action, as government and stakeholders pledged to work together to ensure that every consumer in Lagos can shop with confidence while businesses operate with integrity.
