Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) recovered about N35 million for consumers in May, it was learnt on Thursday.
General Manager Mrs. Kemi Olugbode spoke on Thursday at a one-day sensitisation at the Lagos Island Local Government.
She said LASCOPA was established to ensure consumers know their rights and assert same, to protect them from extortion.
Olugbode urged consumers to speak up whenever they were cheated and their rights infringed upon.
She said: “There are certain globally-recognised rights which consumers have, such as the right to information, choice, safety, consumer education, right to seek redress, healthy environment, e.t.c.
“LASCOPA was established to ensure consumers know of their rights. The agency was also established to get justice for consumers who feel cheated by ensuring they get compensation.
“As at May, we had recovered about N35 million for consumers who complained to us. This was possible because people spoke up.
“Though COVID-19 has reduced our capacity to operate and engage with complainants, we have, however, took to improvisation by working out an arrangement that suits the present situation.
“The law that sets up LASCOPA says we should do continuous consumer education in form of sensitisation, public enlightenment, workshops and lectures, and that is why we are here today (yesterday). We continue to sensitise the people so they can know of their rights as consumers.
“I urge people to speak out while their rights are being infringed upon because we are here for them. Consumers should assert their rights and reach out to us. Our services are free.”
