Lagos ramps up enforcement against counterfeit and expired goods

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its pledge to safeguard residents from counterfeit, expired, substandard, and unsafe products, announcing that it will intensify efforts to eliminate harmful goods from markets and distribution outlets.

During a press briefing in Ikeja, held to mark World Anti‑Counterfeiting Day and World Food Safety Day 2026, the General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr. Afolabi Solebo, conveyed the message.

Mr. Solebo emphasized that consumer protection is a top priority for the Babajide Sanwo‑Olu administration, noting that residents deserve access to safe, genuine, and high‑quality products.

He explained that LASCOPA will carry out regular and surprise inspections of markets, supermarkets, warehouses, and distribution centres across the state to identify and remove counterfeit, expired, and substandard items from circulation.

The agency is also bolstering cooperation with other government bodies, regulatory agencies, and security institutions to ensure that those involved in producing, importing, distributing, or selling harmful products are prosecuted.

"The agency is deepening partnerships with manufacturers’ associations, market leaders, regulatory agencies, and civil society organisations to encourage compliance with safety standards, ethical business practices, and self‑regulation within the market," Mr. Solebo said.

He added that LASCOPA will broaden its public awareness campaigns to educate residents about consumer rights, how to spot fake products, and the channels available for reporting violations.

Mr. Solebo urged residents to stay alert by checking expiry dates, certification marks, and product labels before purchasing, and to report suspected counterfeit or unsafe items through the agency’s official complaint channels.

The LASCOPA chief also called on traders, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers to support efforts to create a safer marketplace, and encouraged people to adopt the agency’s whistle‑blower initiative, “when you see something, say something.”

He reminded residents that complaints or redress can be filed via LASCOPA’s toll‑free line, its official social media channels, or by visiting the agency’s headquarters in Allen, Ikeja, and its annex offices located throughout the state’s Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.