The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumer rights and promoting ethical business practices in line with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
EpeInsights reports that this commitment was reinforced during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday at the Debt Management Office in Ikeja.
The event, hosted in partnership with the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, featured the official presentation of the People’s Perception Survey and Impact Assessment Report on LASCOPA’s programmes.
The gathering brought together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairmen, public officials, consumer advocacy groups and representatives from various sectors.
In his opening remarks, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo Esq., represented by the agency’s Secretary and Head of Legal, Mrs. Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi, described the event as a critical moment of introspection and strategic alignment.
He explained that the assessment was not just an internal review but a platform for community voices to shape future directions.
According to Solebo, LASCOPA’s work is deeply rooted in the broader vision of the THEMES Plus Agenda, a policy framework that encompasses key development pillars such as Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Economic Development, Entertainment and Tourism, Security and Governance, as well as Social Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Youth Empowerment.
“Since its inception in 2015, LASCOPA has remained a pivotal institution in safeguarding consumer rights. We have tackled hazardous goods, mediated countless disputes, and ensured swift redress against exploitative trade practices,” he stated.
“Through a mix of enforcement, education, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, we are building a marketplace where consumer prosperity is matched by responsibility.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, represented by Mr. Alao Akinkunmi Oluwaseyi of the Economic Intelligence Department, praised LASCOPA’s efforts at data-driven policymaking. She noted that the People’s Perception Survey reflects a government that is not only delivering projects but actively listening to its citizens.
“This initiative demonstrates that Lagos is not just working to build infrastructure; it is striving to build trust. The THEMES Plus agenda is a living promise to Lagosians that progress must be measured by how it transforms lives,” Ojo remarked.
She stressed that the impact assessment represents a pivotal tool in aligning development with actual needs and urged all stakeholders to use its findings to refine and strengthen public service delivery.
The Lagos Bureau of Statistics, which powered the impact assessment, revealed how LASCOPA has significantly influenced accountability and consumer welfare in critical sectors such as electricity, banking, automobiles, healthcare, logistics, telecommunications, insurance, food and beverages, oil and gas, hospitality and aviation.
The report also highlighted areas needing improved enforcement, consumer education, and multi-agency collaboration.
Mrs. Ojo emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation across all government agencies, stating that true development must be responsive and people-centered.
She further encouraged civil society organizations, private sector actors, and development partners to view the report as a springboard for broader collaboration in policy planning.
She noted that while infrastructure and GDP growth are important markers of success, the real measure lies in the daily experiences of citizens.
“The real test of government is how it touches lives. Surveys like this remind us that the voice of the people is the most reliable compass in governance,” she added.
The meeting is being regarded as a milestone in the evolution of consumer protection and participatory governance in Lagos State.
By prioritizing public feedback and institutional transparency, LASCOPA continues to distinguish itself as a model agency, setting benchmarks in public service delivery not only in Lagos but across Nigeria.
With the THEMES Plus agenda as its guiding framework, the Lagos State Government, through LASCOPA, has once again demonstrated that its approach to governance is not just about policies—but about people.