The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has commenced operations at annex offices across strategic locations in the state.

This aims to bring services closer to Lagos residents and improve access to redress.

The general manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Solebo said the establishment of the annex offices demonstrated the agency’s commitment to strengthening consumer protection mechanisms and ensuring that consumers could conveniently access its services without travelling long distances.

According to him, the decentralisation of LASCOPA’s operations aims to enhance service delivery, facilitate the prompt resolution of consumer complaints, and deepen public awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities.

“The establishment of these annex offices reflects the commitment of the Lagos State government to protecting consumers and promoting fair trade practices.

“We are bringing our services closer to the people to ensure that every consumer has easy access to redress mechanisms and consumer education,” he said.

Mr Solebo disclosed that in the last two years, the agency had established functional annex offices in the Ikorodu and Badagry local government areas, as well as the Bariga and Ikoyi-Obalende local council development areas.

He said that additional offices had also been opened at Ojo, Epe, Agege and Isolo, further extending consumer protection services to grassroots communities.

The general manager said consumers who experienced unfair trade practices, defective or hazardous products, substandard services, misleading advertisements, or other forms of consumer rights violations could visit the office to lodge complaints and seek appropriate intervention.

He said that the agency provided advocacy, mediation, and consumer education across various sectors, including electricity distribution, e-commerce and online marketing, automobile services, education, and food and beverages.

According to him, LASCOPA provides interventions in logistics and courier services, healthcare, housing, retail stores and supermarkets, banking and finance, hospitality, insurance and telecommunications, among others.

Mr Solebo encouraged Lagos residents to take advantage of the expanded access points to report consumer-related issues and obtain information on their rights and responsibilities under existing consumer protection laws.

He reaffirmed that LASCOPA remained committed to safeguarding consumer interests, promoting ethical business practices, and fostering a fair, transparent, and competitive marketplace in Lagos State.

“Consumers who are unable to visit the agency’s head office or any annex office can also reach LASCOPA through its official communication channels: Facebook: @LASCOPA, Instagram: lasgcopa, and email: lasgcopa@gmail.com

“Hotlines include 081 2499 3895, 091 5389 4878 and Toll-Free Line: 080 0005 2726,” Mr Solebo said.

 (NAN)