The Lagos State Government has issued a firm warning to manufacturers and distributors regarding the practice of altering consumer goods without public disclosure. According to Afolabi Solebo, head of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), businesses must openly announce any shifts in ingredients, weight, packaging, or brand specifications.
Solebo emphasized that transparency is mandatory, not optional. Any modification to a product’s composition or identity that could influence a shopper’s choice must be communicated clearly before the item reaches the market. LASCOPA plans to ramp up market monitoring to enforce these rules and will utilize the full extent of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law to penalize non-compliant companies.
Beyond product changes, the agency is pushing for standardized placement of vital information. This includes consistent locations for production and expiry dates, as well as clear labeling of weights and volumes. Solebo noted that these standardizations help consumers verify information quickly and safely.
Failure to meet these requirements, as outlined in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 and state laws, will result in administrative fines or other legal actions. The agency encourages shoppers to remain alert and report any suspicious labels or undisclosed product variations through official complaint channels.