The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening consumer protection mechanisms, citing the growing dangers posed by unsafe products, substandard services, and poorly regulated markets both locally and globally.

The state government stated this to mark the World Consumer Rights Day with the theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that millions of injuries are recorded annually worldwide due to defective goods, unsafe appliances, counterfeit medicines, and misleading marketing practices. He added that billions of naira are also lost to such practices each year.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) expressed concern over the increasing complexity of cross-border digital commerce, where banned or substandard products in one country can still reach consumers in another through online platforms.

According to him, consumer protection has evolved beyond a peripheral issue to one of public safety, economic stability, and social justice, particularly in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s largest consumer markets.

He said the state government, through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has continued to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to safeguard residents. The agency, he explained, plays a key role in investigating complaints, mediating disputes, promoting fair trade practices, and educating consumers on their rights.

The governor stressed that effective consumer protection requires collective responsibility. He urged businesses to prioritise safety, transparency, and quality, noting that such values are essential for sustainable growth and customer loyalty.

Pedro also called on consumers to be more informed about their rights, including the rights to safety, information, choice, and to be heard, describing awareness as critical to maintaining market integrity.

Highlighting the significance of World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, Sanwo-Olu said the global movement has grown into a powerful force advocating for fairness and accountability, adding that market trust remains the foundation for economic growth.

He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and fair marketplace for all.
In her remarks, The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose noted that consumer confidence in the safety and quality of goods and services is essential for businesses to thrive and innovation to flourish.

She observed that globally, concerns over product safety have continued to rise, citing research indicating that a significant percentage of products banned or recalled in some countries still find their way into online marketplaces, thereby exposing consumers to serious risks.

According to her, Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub with a population exceeding 23 million people and a dynamic marketplace spanning physical and digital platforms, requires a robust consumer protection framework to safeguard public interest and sustain economic activities.

Ambrose, represented by Mr Babatunde Onigbanjo, explained that the state government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has intensified efforts to strengthen regulatory systems, market surveillance, and enforcement mechanisms.

She noted that LASCOPA has continued to play a pivotal role in protecting consumers by addressing complaints, mediating disputes, enforcing standards, and promoting public awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities.

The commissioner emphasised that the government would not tolerate the circulation of unsafe, counterfeit, or substandard products, adding that businesses operating within the state must comply with established safety and quality standards.

She also highlighted the importance of consumer education, describing informed consumers as key drivers of accountability. She said the government is expanding public enlightenment campaigns and digital outreach initiatives to empower residents to make informed purchasing decisions and report violations.

Ambrose further disclosed that the state is embracing innovation in regulatory approaches, particularly in response to the rapid growth of e-commerce, with plans to strengthen collaboration with digital platforms, regulatory bodies, and international partners.

The General Manager of QNET Nigeria, Ayokunmi Solesi at the event explained that the company’s business revolves around product sales rather than recruitment, stressing that commissions are only earned through the sale of its products.

“We want our consumers to understand what we stand for. We are a global lifestyle and wellness company operating in the direct selling space, providing individuals with opportunities to sell our products,” he said.

He noted that misconceptions often arise due to confusion between direct selling and fraudulent schemes, adding that the company is committed to addressing such concerns through public awareness.

“We do not give anybody commissions without selling products. We are not into recruitment; we are into selling our products. It is only when you sell our products that you get paid. That is one of the reasons we partnered with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency,” he said.

On product quality, Solesi maintained that QNET does not face issues related to substandard goods, attributing this to its global standards and regulatory compliance.

“The same products we receive in Nigeria are the same ones available in Europe. All our products are certified either by Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) or National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),” he stated.

According to him, the major challenge in Nigeria is not product quality but misinformation regarding the company’s operations and offerings.