The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised fresh concerns over the growing trend of misleading pricing and hidden charges by businesses across Lagos State, warning that such practices will attract strict penalties.
In a statement issued on Monday, the General Manager of the agency, Afolabi Solebo, said many businesses now advertise goods and services at attractive prices, only for customers to discover additional costs or different terms when making payments.
According to him, the situation has become common in several sectors, including retail, online shopping, electronics, and automobile sales, leaving many consumers confused and sometimes cheated.
Solebo explained that such practices not only damage trust between businesses and customers but also violate consumer protection laws designed to ensure fairness in the marketplace.
“Businesses must ensure that all advertised prices are clear, accurate, and inclusive,” he said. “Consumers should not be surprised by extra charges that were not clearly stated from the beginning.”
In recent years, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, has witnessed rapid growth in both physical and online businesses. While this expansion has created more options for consumers, it has also led to increased complaints about sharp practices, including hidden fees, fake discounts, and unclear pricing structures.
Many consumers have reported situations where a product advertised at a certain price ends up costing much more due to added charges such as service fees, delivery costs, or taxes that were not initially disclosed.
LASCOPA said it is particularly concerned about tactics such as “bait-and-switch,” where customers are lured with low prices only to be pressured into buying more expensive alternatives when the advertised product is unavailable.
The agency also warned against the use of fake discounts, where sellers inflate prices before announcing reductions to make it appear as though customers are getting a good deal.
“These actions are deceptive and will not be tolerated,” Solebo said.
He further cautioned businesses that run promotions, sales campaigns, or raffle draws to be transparent in their communication. According to him, vague terms like “while stock lasts” can mislead customers if they are not properly explained.
Solebo stressed that businesses must clearly state the duration of any promotion, including start and end dates, as well as all conditions attached to the offer.
“If you are running a promotion, consumers deserve to know exactly how long it will last and what the terms are,” he said. “Anything short of that may be considered a violation of their rights.”
Under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law, consumers have what is known as the “right to be informed,” which means they must be given complete and accurate information about products and services before making a purchase.
Solebo warned that failure to comply with these rules could lead to serious consequences, including fines, sanctions, or even prosecution.
“Failure to comply with fair pricing and advertising standards constitutes an offence under the law and will attract appropriate enforcement actions,” he said.
The agency advised all categories of business owners to review their pricing and advertising methods. This includes supermarkets, online vendors, service providers, electronics dealers, and car sellers.
Consumer rights groups have long called for stricter enforcement of pricing regulations, noting that many Nigerians often lack the information needed to challenge unfair practices.
A Lagos-based consumer advocate said many people simply pay extra charges because they do not want to lose the product or argue with sellers.
“Sometimes you get to the point of payment and realise the price has changed, but you still go ahead because you need the item,” he said. “That is why enforcement is important.”
LASCOPA also encouraged consumers to be more vigilant and report cases of misleading pricing or false advertising. The agency said it has official complaint channels through which members of the public can lodge reports.
“We urge consumers to speak up when they notice anything suspicious,” Solebo said. “Your report can help us take action and protect others.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Lagos has a fair and transparent business environment where both buyers and sellers can operate with confidence.
In a city as large and busy as Lagos, where millions of transactions take place daily, maintaining trust in the marketplace is seen as essential for economic growth.
“When businesses are transparent, customers are more likely to return and recommend them to others,” a business consultant noted. “But when people feel cheated, it damages the entire system.”
For now, LASCOPA’s message is clear: businesses must be honest and open in their dealings, or face the consequences.
As enforcement efforts continue, many residents hope the agency’s warning will lead to better practices and reduce the number of complaints related to hidden charges and misleading prices across Lagos State.