Easter: LASCOPA Issues Red Alert Over Fake Deals, Expired Goods

​LAGOS — As the Easter festivities approach, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a high-level warning to residents to guard against predatory trade practices, including price gouging and the circulation of hazardous products.

​With commercial activity surging across the state, the agency revealed it has uncovered heightened risks of exploitation by unscrupulous traders aiming to capitalize on the holiday rush.

​Vigilance Against “Festive Frauds”

​In a statement released on Thursday, LASCOPA General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, urged Lagosians to prioritize personal safety over “too-good-to-be-true” promotional offers. He noted that the festive window is often exploited to offload substandard, expired, or counterfeit goods—particularly food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

​“Consumers must remain alert,” Solebo warned. “Check expiry dates religiously and avoid patronizing unregistered vendors. It is your right to demand a receipt for every transaction; it is your only shield in the event of a dispute.”

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​Strict Enforcement and Market Monitoring

​To deter market malpractice, the General Manager announced that LASCOPA will deploy enforcement teams to major shopping hubs, open markets, and recreational centers throughout the Easter period.

​The agency also addressed the growing trend of digital fraud. Solebo advised Lagosians to exercise extreme caution with online vendors, suggesting that payments should ideally be made only upon delivery to businesses with a verified physical presence within Lagos State.

​Call to Action

​LASCOPA encouraged residents to report any case of price inflation or consumer rights violations immediately. “Consumers have fundamental rights, but they also have responsibilities—to be careful, informed, and to speak up when necessary,” the statement concluded.