LASCOPA Warns Businesses Against Ignoring Consumer Complaints

 

By Atlantic Reports

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned businesses that deliberately refuse to attend scheduled mediation sessions over legitimate consumer complaints that they could face regulatory sanctions.

The agency’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Afolabi Solebo, issued the warning in a statement released on Tuesday in Lagos and signed by its Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mr Adesile Rufai.

Solebo urged businesses to take complaints and redress procedures seriously and comply with applicable state and federal consumer protection laws.

He said regulatory action could include sealing business premises where authorised by law.

Misleading Prices and Unsafe Products Under Scrutiny

Solebo identified unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements, deceptive pricing, hidden charges and poor service delivery as practices that could attract intervention.

He also listed the manufacture or sale of substandard, counterfeit or unsafe products.

According to him, penalties prescribed by law could include fines, enforcement orders, suspension of operations, prosecution or the sealing of premises.

These were outlined as possible enforcement measures. The statement did not announce sanctions against any named business or identify a specific case in which premises had been sealed.

Consumers Urged to Keep Transaction Records

Solebo said some complaints remained unresolved because businesses failed to honour invitations to mediation sessions. He appealed to affected consumers to remain patient while the agency pursued resolution.

He encouraged customers to retain receipts, invoices, warranties and other relevant documents to support their complaints and help establish the details of disputed transactions.

For consumers seeking refunds, repairs or other remedies, those records can provide a clear account of what was purchased, what was promised and the terms of the transaction.

However, the statement did not specify a timeframe for resolving complaints or explain the steps that would precede sanctions against businesses that repeatedly ignored mediation invitations.

Solebo urged businesses to uphold ethical practices and consumers to report violations through appropriate channels, saying cooperation was necessary to build a fair and accountable marketplace.

The agency’s warning places emphasis on businesses participating in the redress process. Its effectiveness will depend on timely complaint handling and enforcement within the powers provided by law.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.