Vows to eradicate sub-standard products

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

lagos—Worried  by the  increasing  cases of infractions on consumer rights in Lagos State,  Governor, Akinwunmi  Ambode, yesterday, inaugurated Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA Board, with a charge to its  members   at end sharp practices of manufacturers.

While inaugurating  the 12-man board members headed by wife of human rights lawyer, Mrs. Olufumilola Falana, at the State House,  Alausa Ikeja, Ambode lamented that daily, consumer rights were infringed upon by manufacturers and service providers.

He  stated emphatically that members of the board must ensure that  consumers in Lagos got satisfaction for money spent on goods and services, reminding that they were  carefully  selected from the public and private sectors  based on their characters over the years.

“The need for the agency has become more imperative due to the fact that Lagos State with its huge population provides commercial market in Sub-Saharan Africa with the highest reported cases of daily infraction on consumer right.

“The agency is meant to complement the state government reform on the ease of doing business especially as it affects the development of the industrial, commercial and consumer satisfaction value chain.

“LASCOPA will be an effective service centre for the protection of consumer interest, settlement of consumer dispute and other connected purposes as enshrined in the Lagos State Consumer protection law 2013,” he stated.

He therefore,  directed the board to commence work immediately, by   protecting  the rights of the citizens and consumers in the state.

Earlier, while presenting the members to the Governor, the Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, Rotimi Ogunleye, listed the duties of the agency to include: speedy redress of consumers’ complaints through negotiation, mediation or conciliation: to  ensure replacement of hazardous products and seek ways of eliminating them from the market, in conjunction with other relevant agencies; advice the state government on consumer protection policy and cause any company found culpable to pay compensation for injuries as a result of adverse effect of their products.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, head of the board,  Falana, assured that they would work in the best interest of consumers and leave very good footprints on the sand of time.

Other members of the board are: Mrs. Ajoke Olugbode, GM; Mrs. Sola Ajulo, Mr. Olufemi Awogbami, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, Mrs. Adejoke Oladipupo, Mr. Lanrewaju Alayande, Mrs. Faderera Lekan-Rotimi, Mr. Segun Kuti-George, Mrs. Mosunmola Samuel and Mr. Olajide Oduyebo.