Lagos Launches Free Hotline to Report Fake and Expired Products

(LASCOPA. Photo by FB/LASCOPA)
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has introduced a toll-free helpline and is urging residents to quickly report fake, expired, adulterated and counterfeit products.

The agency's General Manager and CEO, Afolabi Solebo, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

The statement was signed by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Adesile Rufai.

Residents are asked to tell it to LASCOPA by calling 080 0005 2726.

Solebo said the line gives consumers a direct and easy way to report violations, seek guidance and get quick action.

Complaints can also be sent to lasgcopa@gmail.com or through the agency's social media pages, all @lascopa.

Solebo urged residents not to stay silent when they run into consumer violations, and to report them formally to the agency and not rely only on social media.

He said social media can help raise awareness, but reports to the agency should come with solid evidence.

This can include receipts, invoices, photos or videos, product labels, proof of payment, and screenshots of transactions, adverts or chats with sellers.

The helpline can be used to report fake and counterfeit goods, expired or adulterated items, defective products, misleading adverts and unfair business practices.

Consumers can also report poor services and online shopping disputes.

Solebo advised shoppers to check product details, prices, sellers and terms before paying, especially online.

He also asked them to read labels carefully and confirm the manufacturer's details, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, ingredients and usage instructions before buying.

He said timely and credible complaints help the agency detect violations and take action, and that consumer protection is a shared duty of government, businesses and consumers.

He called on residents to stay alert, saying if you see it, question it, and if you suspect it, report it.