Lagos opens helpline for reports on fake products, poor services, others

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LACOPA) has introduced a toll-free helpline for residents to report fake, expired and adulterated products as well as misleading advertisements, poor services and other consumer-related violations.

Its General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, in a statement urged Lagos residents to use the new channel to file formal reports on suspected violations rather than relying solely on complaints on social media.

The toll-free line is 080 0005 2726 while complaints can also be sent to [email protected] or through the agency’s social media platforms under the handle @lascopa.

Solebo said complaints submitted to the agency should be supported by verifiable evidence to enable investigation and enforcement.

These useful evidences, according to him, include receipts, invoices, photographs or videos, product labels, proof of payment and screenshots of transactions, advertisements or conversations with sellers.

The helpline will receive complaints concerning fake and counterfeit products, expired or adulterated goods, defective products, misleading advertisements and unfair business practices as well as poor services and disputes arising from online shopping.

Solebo also advised residents to exercise greater caution when purchasing goods and services, particularly online, urging them to verify sellers, prices and terms before making payments.

He asked consumers to examine product labels for manufacturers’ details, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, ingredients and usage instructions before purchasing goods.

Solebo said the new complaint channel would help the agency identify violations and take enforcement action where necessary.

“Timely, credible complaints help us detect violations and take enforcement action. Consumer protection is a shared responsibility, government, businesses and consumers,” he said.