Lagos consumers win N759m refunds, billing adjustments

Residents of Lagos State have recovered more than N759 million and $14,901.80 through refunds, corrected bills and other compensation following complaints against businesses over unfair treatment and poor services.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) disclosed that it had resolved 10,720 of the 11,120 consumer complaints received across different sectors in the last six years, reflecting its growing intervention in disputes between businesses and customers.

The agency said the complaints covered online shopping, banking, telecommunications, aviation, housing, electricity, insurance, education, automobile services, food and beverages, hospitality and other sectors. In a statement by its Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Adesile Rufai, LASCOPA said 250 complaints were still undergoing mediation, while 150 had been referred to other relevant state government agencies.

The agency attributed the performance to reforms introduced under its General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, who was appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on November 5, 2020.

It said the administration had expanded its reach through eight annex offices in Agege, Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, Bariga, Ikoyi-Obalende and Isolo, making it easier for residents to report grievances and seek redress without travelling long distances.

The agency has also stepped up public enlightenment campaigns through radio and television programmes, community engagements and social media to educate consumers on their rights to safety, accurate product information, fair value, freedom of choice and compensation.

It said its enforcement teams had issued 437 notices of non-compliance to supermarkets and retail outlets following inspections across Lagos State’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.

The violations included failure to display prices, misleading product labels and inadequate information about goods sold to consumers.

Under its ‘No Price Tag, No Sales’ campaign, LASCOPA is also pushing for greater transparency in pricing and fair business practices.

The agency said its enforcement activities were backed by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law 2025, as amended, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

To strengthen its operations, LASCOPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on April 21, 2026, to promote information sharing, joint interventions and coordinated enforcement.

Beyond consumer protection, the agency said it generated more than ₦20 million for the Lagos State Government between January and September 2026, surpassing its annual revenue target of ₦10 million by more than 100 per cent.

It added that it was working with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and scientific laboratories to improve product testing, verification and consumer safety.

The agency also conducts unannounced inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure businesses comply with safety standards and consumer protection regulations.

LASCOPA urged residents seeking assistance with consumer complaints to contact its toll-free helpline on 080 0005 2726.

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