Lagos consumer agency recovers ₦759m in six years as 10,720 of 11,120 complaints resolved

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency said on November 6 that over the past six years it received 11,120 consumer complaints, resolving 10,720 of them, and secured ₦759,354,292.60 and US$14,901.80 in refunds and billing adjustments for consumers.

96 percent of complaints resolved; 250 still in mediation

General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Afolabi Solebo said in a statement signed by Assistant Director of Public Affairs Adesile Rufai that the agency's Mediation and Complaints Department handled 11,120 complaints over the six years, resolving 10,720 of them, while 250 remain at various stages of mediation and 150 have been referred to other relevant state agencies. The complaints spanned online retail, automobiles, education, logistics, telecommunications, aviation, road transport, hospitality, banking, finance, insurance, housing, and food and beverages.

Supermarkets warned over hidden charges; 437 notices issued

Solebo also warned supermarkets and retailers against misleading consumers through hidden charges, deceptive labelling or failure to display prices. Following market surveillance across the state, the agency issued 437 notices of non-compliance to supermarkets and retail outlets for inadequate price disclosure, misleading labels and failure to provide essential information. The agency said its enforcement is guided by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law 2025, as amended, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018. It also generated more than ₦20 million for the state government between January and September, exceeding its annual revenue target by more than 100 percent. Solebo urged residents to use the agency's toll-free helpline and mediation services.

(Sources: Punch; Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency.)