Lagos Establishes Consumer Protection Agency
As part of measures to ensure the right of consumers in Lagos, the state government has established the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).
The state government, at the weekend, said that establishment of the agency followed the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency bill which was passed into law by the State House of Assembly and assented to in 2015.
According to him, the coming into being of the agency would ensure speedy redress of consumer complaints through negotiation, mediation or conciliation.
To ensure that the agency hits the ground running, the state governor, Akinwunmi, has appointed Olufunmilola Falana, wife of the renowned human rights activist, Femi Falana, as board chairman of the new agency.
Other members of the board as approved by the governor include legal officials from the state ministry of justice, representatives of the organised private sector, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lagos state Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) among others.
Under the law establishing the agency, a convict would be mandated to pay an amount of money the court considers as appropriate compensation in respect of any loss or damage to a consumer whose right has been infringed upon.
