The Lagos State Government has shut down 35 supermarkets between January and April for selling expired products to the public.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, during a ministerial press briefing marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Ambrose stated that in addition to closures, some supermarkets were fined for stocking and selling expired items, which pose health risks to consumers.
She emphasized the role of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency in monitoring and educating the public, urging residents to report stores involved in such practices.
“Consumers must remain vigilant. The state has zero tolerance for the sale of expired goods, and we’ll keep enforcing the rules,” she said.
Beyond consumer protection, the commissioner also highlighted several investment and development initiatives led by the ministry.
A major highlight was a \$200 million partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports to develop infrastructure in the Lekki corridor. This project is expected to boost logistics, healthcare, ICT innovation, and port operations in the area.
She also noted the state’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), which positions Lagos as a major hub for trade among the 56 Commonwealth countries.
In addition, construction is ongoing at a new Small-Scale Industrial Estate in Gberigbe, Ikorodu, which will house 44 light manufacturing and agro-processing units by the third quarter of the year.
The government also plans to upgrade older industrial estates in Ikeja, Ilupeju, Oshodi-Isolo, and Amuwo-Odofin to support the state’s growing economy.
Ambrose concluded by saying that while the retail sector in Lagos is booming, there must be strict enforcement to ensure safety and consumer trust.