The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening legal and institutional frameworks for consumer protection across the state.

Sanwo-Olu made this known during the World Consumer Rights Day celebration organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency under the theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” held on Tuesday in Lagos.

The annual event, observed globally on March 15, is aimed at raising awareness about consumer rights and promoting fair market practices.

Represented by the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, the governor emphasised that consumer protection has evolved into a critical issue of public safety, economic stability, and social justice.

He noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s largest consumer markets, bears a significant responsibility to ensure that goods and services are safe, reliable, and accurately represented.

“Every safe product builds trust, and every protected consumer strengthens the economy. A confident consumer ultimately contributes to a healthier and more prosperous society,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu also commended LASCOPA for its role in handling consumer complaints, resolving disputes, promoting fair trade practices, and educating residents on their rights and responsibilities.

He urged businesses to prioritise product safety, transparency, and quality, while encouraging consumers to be informed and actively engaged in safeguarding market integrity.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, highlighted the state government’s collaboration with LASCOPA to strengthen market surveillance and enforce regulatory standards.

She noted that consumer education remains a key component of the agency’s mandate, adding that a safe marketplace is fundamental to economic prosperity.

“When consumers trust the safety and quality of products, businesses grow, innovation thrives, and economic development becomes sustainable,” she said.

Ambrose encouraged consumers to remain vigilant, well-informed, and proactive in reporting unsafe or suspicious products, stressing that consumer protection is a shared responsibility.

She outlined key consumer responsibilities, including verifying product authenticity, reporting substandard goods, understanding consumer rights, and making informed purchasing decisions.

The commissioner further commended LASCOPA’s efforts in promoting ethical business practices and assured that the government remains committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and safe commercial environment.

Earlier, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, called for strengthened enforcement mechanisms and increased public awareness initiatives to keep consumer rights central to sustainable economic development.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing emerging challenges, particularly within the digital marketplace and in bridging gaps in product standardisation.

“We must continue to reinforce enforcement measures, expand public awareness campaigns, and ensure consumer rights remain a priority in Lagos State,” he said.

Solebo also urged stakeholders to work collectively to protect consumers from substandard, counterfeit, and expired products, as well as poor service delivery, noting that consumer confidence remains vital to a thriving economy.