Lagos To Seal Businesses Over Consumer Rights Abuse

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned manufacturers, retailers and service providers against violating consumer protection laws, threatening sanctions, prosecution and the sealing of premises of offending businesses.

The agency said it would sanction businesses that deliberately fail to honour scheduled mediation sessions over legitimate consumer complaints.

According to a statement on Tuesday, LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, gave the warning while speaking with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, upon his return from the 2026 International Bar Association Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Solebo said the agency would enforce compliance with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law 2025, as amended, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

He warned that businesses must take consumer complaints and redress processes seriously, adding that premises could be sealed where authorised by law.

He also listed the manufacture and sale of substandard, counterfeit or unsafe products as offences that could attract sanctions.

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“LASCOPA will now sanction businesses that deliberately fail to honour scheduled mediation sessions on legitimate consumer complaints. Where authorised by law, affected premises may be sealed. All businesses are required to treat consumer complaints and redress processes with utmost seriousness.

He noted that offenders could face applicable penalties, including fines, enforcement orders, suspension of operations, prosecution or the sealing of their premises.

The LASCOPA chief urged consumers with unresolved complaints to remain patient, explaining that delays often occur when businesses ignore invitations to mediation.

He also advised consumers to retain receipts, invoices, warranties and other relevant records when submitting complaints to the agency.

Solebo reaffirmed the commitment of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to protecting consumers and creating a fair business environment in the state.

The statement stressed that consumer protection was a shared responsibility between businesses and consumers, noting that both parties had roles to play in building a transparent and accountable marketplace.

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