In Lagos, two consumer protection agencies have strengthened their cooperation to improve market fairness.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and LASCOPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise this partnership.
They aim to improve enforcement and better protect consumers across Lagos State.
FCCPC–LASCOPA Partnership Strengthens Enforcement
FCCPC CEO Tunji Bello and LASCOPA General Manager Afolabi Solebo signed the agreement at the event.
Newsnen and other stakeholders attended the ceremony.
Both agencies agreed that cooperation strengthens a stable and fair market system.
Consequently, they recognised Lagos as a major commercial hub with high consumer activity.
Under the agreement, both bodies will actively share information and resolve consumer complaints.
In addition, they will run joint consumer education and staff training programmes.
They will also carry out joint enforcement actions whenever necessary.
To ensure coordination, they will establish a Joint Task Force.
The task force will actively manage and monitor all shared operations.
As a result, it will coordinate consumer protection enforcement across both agencies.
Both parties agreed to share any fines or penalties equally from joint actions.
However, each agency will independently fund its routine operations.
Mr Bello explained that Lagos hosts many consumers, businesses, and digital services.
Therefore, he stressed that strong cooperation improves regulatory effectiveness.
He described the MoU as a practical tool for faster consumer response.
Moreover, he urged other states to strengthen their consumer protection systems.
Mr Solebo noted that LASCOPA exists to actively protect citizens’ rights.
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However, he emphasised that the agency cannot operate effectively in isolation.
He highlighted transportation as an area that requires stronger joint oversight.
Stronger Joint Task Force Operations
LASCOPA handles complaints, resolves disputes, and enforces fair trade practices in Lagos.
Additionally, it monitors unsafe products and unfair market behaviour.
Recently, it resolved over 11,000 consumer complaints for residents.
It also recovered over ₦860 million for consumers within five years.
Ultimately, the partnership aims to strengthen enforcement and build consumer trust.
Both agencies will set up a Joint Task Force to coordinate enforcement efforts.
They will use it to manage operations, monitor progress, and improve response speed.
Shared Responsibility And Consumer Protection Goals
The agencies will share penalties equally while maintaining separate funding responsibilities.
They aim to improve consumer protection through stronger collaboration and accountability.
