The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has threatened to seal supermarkets and grocery stores that do not have price tags on their items.

The threat was issued in a statement titled, “Non-disclosure of Price Tags: LASCOPA Warns Supermarkets, Grocery Stores”, and published on the Lagos State government’s website on Saturday.

LASCOPA said the warning became imperative to ensure transparency and protect consumers from price exploitation. It added that non-disclosure of price tags can lead to misunderstandings and inconvenience at the point of sale.

The agency stated that not placing price tags on products violates consumers’ rights and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law.

The LASCOPA general manager, Afolabi Solebo, emphasised the importance of adhering to regulations, stating, “The absence of price tags denies consumers the ability to make informed decisions.” 

Mr Solebo added, “Such practices contradict the Consumer Protection Act, which mandates the clear display of prices for goods and services.”

He, therefore, warned that “failure to comply with the law will result in fines in accordance with consumer protection laws, and the agency will not hesitate to seal erring supermarkets over non-disclosure of price tags on products on shelves.”

Mr Solebo urged consumers to report non-compliance to LASCOPA through their social media platforms or dedicated phone lines: 08124993885, 09064323154, and 08092509777.