By Adeola Shittu
Lagos State once again set the benchmark in consumer protection as the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) hosted the 2026 edition of World Consumer Rights Day at the Marriott Hotel. The event, themed “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, consumer advocates, and legal experts to underscore the importance of consumer rights protection and the tangible benefits of regulatory interventions for Nigerians.
The occasion featured a blend of expert discussions, live demonstrations, and real-life testimonials, showcasing how effective consumer protection can restore trust, recover assets, and ensure accountability.
Government Leaders and Policy Champions in Attendance
The event was graced by the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor and several dignitaries, including Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, representatives of the Oba of Lagos, the Commissioner for Information, and multiple permanent secretaries. Their presence highlighted Lagos State’s commitment to fostering a safe, transparent, and accountable marketplace for all.
LASCOPA’s Impact: Millions Recovered, Thousands Protected
Delivering the opening address, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., General Manager of LASCOPA, emphasized the agency’s vital role in safeguarding consumers and restoring confidence in the market. He revealed that LASCOPA has successfully handled thousands of cases, recovering millions of naira in goods, cash, and property for defrauded consumers—entirely free of charge.
“Our interventions not only save consumers’ resources but also prevent lengthy legal battles. Effective consumer protection is both practical and transformative,” Solebo said.
Six consumers shared moving testimonies during the event, illustrating the agency’s impact. Among them, a market woman recounted how a mistaken transfer left her stranded for five months, only for LASCOPA to restore her funds within two months. Another consumer praised the agency for resolving issues with defective gadgets, while a woman struggling with a faulty fridge lauded the swift action that protected her rights.
Keynote: Building Trust Through Safe Products
Representing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Attorney General Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted that consumer confidence is essential for economic growth, innovation, and investor trust. The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that effective consumer protection requires collaboration among regulators, businesses, and civil society.
In the keynote, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN, traced the evolution of consumer protection in Nigeria, advocating for comprehensive oversight across the entire supply chain. He stressed that a safe product must pose no foreseeable risk to health, safety, or property and emphasized proactive measures like risk assessments, quality control, transparent labeling, and efficient recall mechanisms.
Panel Discussions: Consumer Education, Compliance, and Market Oversight
Three panels explored different facets of consumer protection: the first panel session moderated by Mrs. Lovelyn Okafor (CADEF), discussed “Consumer Education as a Tool Against Exploitation and Fraud”. Panelists emphasized that informed consumers are better equipped to detect fraud, understand product information, and assert their rights. While the second session addressed emerging market challenges and regulatory responses. Speakers analyzed oversight gaps and promoted cross-sector collaboration as a means to strengthen protection. It was moderated by Shukroh Adeyemi. And third panel session was moderated by Dr. Olubunmi Dorcas (FCCPC), focused on “Manufacturer and Trader Responsibilities in Ensuring Product Safety.” Representatives from Jumia, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, UAC Foods, and QNET Nigeria highlighted compliance, labeling, quality assurance, and rapid recall as critical tools for consumer safety.
Exhibitions and Practical Demonstrations
The event also featured a product exhibition by brands such as QNET, UAC Foods, and GTCO, Jumai, among other exhibitors giving attendees first-hand insights into best practices for ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance, and transparency.
A Call for Sustained Consumer Advocacy
The 2026 World Consumer Rights Day concluded with a strong call for continuous efforts in protecting consumer rights, expanding regulatory oversight, enhancing consumer education, and promoting inter-agency collaboration.
Under the leadership of Afolabi Solebo, Esq., LASCOPA continues to set the standard for consumer protection in Nigeria, turning consumer rights protection from a concept into actionable reality. With thousands of cases resolved and millions of naira recovered, the agency demonstrates that safeguarding consumers is essential for restoring trust, driving economic growth, and ensuring accountability across markets.