Lagos State residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution when shopping for goods after the discovery of expired products circulating in local markets.
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), has issued a stern warning against businesses selling expired goods. This comes as the agency prepares to prosecute the owner of Blessed Happy Homes Superstore in Festac Town for endangering public health by distributing expired items.
The supermarket, located on 6th Avenue, 13th Road, Festac Town, was recently sealed off by LASCOPA for violating health and safety regulations. According to Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, the state government is committed to holding offenders accountable. Wahab emphasized that the prosecution is not only necessary for justice but also as a deterrent to other businesses in Lagos.
“We cannot allow the health and safety of our citizens to be put at risk by unscrupulous businesses,” Wahab stated firmly.
The disturbing discovery was made during a routine operation by LASCOPA officials. They uncovered several expired items on the supermarket’s shelves, including baby milk, beverages, body creams, and perfumes. The store’s manager initially resisted the enforcement officers, but despite the resistance, legal action swiftly followed, leading to the issuance of a bench warrant for the supermarket owner.
Afolabi Solebo, the General Manager of LASCOPA, shared his concerns over the state of expired goods in the market. He revealed that some of the expired products found at the superstore had been out of date since April 2023, making it clear that consumers were being put at serious risk.
“It’s deeply concerning that expired products, some as old as April 2023, are still being sold in our markets. This act jeopardizes the health and safety of unsuspecting consumers,” Solebo said in a statement.
LASCOPA has confirmed that the owner of Blessed Happy Homes Superstore has ignored multiple summonses to appear before the agency. The owner is now scheduled to appear before the Magistrate Court at the Lagos Taskforce Headquarters in Bolade–Oshodi on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
In response to the situation, Solebo urged consumers to be vigilant when shopping. He emphasized the need for people to check expiry dates and product labels before making purchases.
“We are intensifying our crackdown on errant businesses across the state,” Solebo added. “The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has zero tolerance for violations of consumer rights and unethical business practices. While the administration supports business growth, it insists on adherence to regulations.”
The Lagos State Government has made it clear that there will be no tolerance for businesses that endanger public health. LASCOPA’s ongoing inspection of markets, supermarkets, and retail stores aims to curb the sale of expired products and protect consumers.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has shown a strong commitment to creating a fair and safe marketplace for Lagosians. While fostering economic growth, the government insists that businesses must adhere strictly to consumer protection laws.
“This is about safeguarding public health and ensuring that businesses operate ethically,” said Wahab. “We will continue to work relentlessly to protect consumers from harmful practices.”
As the investigation continues, LASCOPA has promised to inspect more facilities in the coming days to ensure compliance with consumer safety regulations. The agency is sending a clear message to businesses: ethical practices are not optional but a legal requirement.
“We expect all businesses in Lagos to operate within the boundaries of the law and to prioritize the health and safety of their customers,” Solebo concluded.
