The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), in partnership with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Association of Supermarket Operators of Nigeria (ASON), has urged manufacturers, distributors, retailers, supermarket operators and service providers to strictly comply with price tagging, product labelling, and return and refund policies to strengthen consumer protection and promote sustainable business practices.
The call was made during the Joint LASCOPA–FCCPC Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum, themed “Price Tagging, Minimum Labelling Requirements and Return/Refund: The Implications of Non-Regulatory Compliance,” held in Lagos.
In his welcome address, LASCOPA General Manager/CEO, Afolabi Solebo, described the forum as a strategic platform for regulators and industry stakeholders to improve compliance through education, collaboration and dialogue. He noted that recent enforcement actions against businesses for failing to display prices, selling expired products, providing inadequate product information and denying legitimate return and refund requests underscore the need for greater adherence to consumer protection laws. He added that compliance is a legal obligation and a key driver of consumer confidence, brand reputation and long-term business growth.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Tunji Bello, the Commission’s Southwest Coordinator, Dr. Olubunmi Dorcas Otti, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting consumers while promoting a fair, transparent and competitive marketplace. She emphasised that transparent pricing, accurate product labelling and effective return and refund mechanisms are vital to ethical business practices.
Representatives of SON, NOA and ASON also stressed the importance of maintaining regulatory standards, strengthening consumer education and encouraging responsible business practices. SON urged manufacturers to produce quality products that meet national and international standards, while NOA called for greater public awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities. ASON reaffirmed the commitment of supermarket operators to transparent pricing, proper product labelling and efficient complaint resolution.
The forum attracted manufacturers, retailers, distributors, consumer advocacy groups, legal practitioners and other stakeholders, who participated in an interactive session on regulatory compliance, consumer rights and business responsibilities.
At the end of the engagement, participants agreed that accurate price tagging, proper product labelling and transparent return and refund policies are essential for building consumer confidence, promoting fair competition and driving sustainable economic growth. They also pledged to strengthen collaboration, intensify consumer education and encourage voluntary compliance with consumer protection regulations across Lagos State and Nigeria.