LASCOPA Boss: Agency Has Recovered Over ₦1 Billion for Consumers
Consumers in Lagos are not helpless and must speak up when their rights are violated, the General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Afolabi Solebo, Esq., has said, revealing that the agency has recovered over ₦1 billion in various categories of consumer complaints.
Solebo made the disclosure during the latest edition of Consumers Connect, a consumer engagement programme by Brand Colossus Productions, which aired live on Eko 89.7FM on Friday. The episode, titled “Every Litre Counts: Are You Getting What You Pay For at the Petrol Pump?”, focused on consumer rights, fuel dispensing practices and the need for motorists to demand accountability.
Speaking on the programme, Solebo urged consumers to exercise their statutory rights whenever they suspect foul play or discrepancies while purchasing products or services.
“I want to tell consumers in Lagos that they are not helpless. They have statutory rights, and they must exercise them.”
He specifically advised motorists who suspect irregularities during fuel dispensing to demand a pump test before or during the dispensing process.
“LASCOPA is here to enforce those rights, but we also need you to speak up. We encourage everyone to voice out and seek redress,” he said.
According to the LASCOPA boss, consumers whose rights have been infringed are entitled to seek appropriate remedies, including refunds and compensation, depending on the circumstances of their complaints.
He explained that consumers can lodge complaints through various channels, including visiting any LASCOPA office, stressing that reporting violations is critical to enabling the agency to intervene.
“When you see something, say something. It is only when you complain that we can come to your rescue.”
Solebo further disclosed that LASCOPA has recovered over ₦1 billion for consumers across different categories, underscoring the agency's role in resolving disputes between consumers and businesses.
He assured consumers that complaints would be treated based on their merits, regardless of the identity or status of the business involved.
“If you are coming to LASCOPA to lay a complaint, expect to get redress, irrespective of who is involved. If your complaint is genuine and you have the right documents to back it up, rest assured that your complaint will be addressed.”
How Consumers Can Seek Redress
Consumers who experience violations of their rights or have complaints against businesses and service providers can seek assistance from LASCOPA by visiting any of its offices located in Ikeja, Badagry, Bariga, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikorodu, Epe, Ojo and Isolo.
Consumers can also contact the agency through its toll-free line: 08000052726, or reach out through LASCOPA's various social media platforms.
The agency encourages consumers to provide relevant documents and evidence supporting their complaints to facilitate investigation and resolution.
The discussion comes amid growing concerns among consumers about whether they receive the quantity of fuel they pay for at filling stations, particularly at a time when every litre represents a significant cost to households and businesses.
The episode reinforced the importance of consumer awareness and accountability, with the message that consumers must not remain silent when they suspect that their rights have been violated.
Consumers Connect, a Brand Colossus Productions initiative, airs live every Friday at 6:30 p.m. on Eko 89.7FM, providing a platform for consumers, businesses, regulators and industry stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the marketplace.
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