Mr. Afolabi Solebo, General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), says about 80 percent of hazardous products result from poor handling and improper storage.
Solebo made the disclosure in a statement issued by Mr. Rufai Adesile, Assistant Director of Public Affairs (LASCOPA), on Wednesday in Lagos.
He urged manufacturers and distributors to strengthen public awareness campaigns on proper storage and handling to maintain product quality and safety standards.
The general manager also advised consumers to remain vigilant by checking labels, expiry dates, and overall product quality before making purchases.
Solebo said LASCOPA’s Scientific Investigative Research, Monitoring, and Enforcement departments work together to protect residents from unsafe and substandard products.
“As part of World Health Day activities, the agency conducted inspections across over 200 stores and supermarkets in Lagos. This resulted in the discovery, seizure, and removal of significant volumes of expired, substandard, and hazardous products from circulation,” he said.
He noted that such products pose serious health risks to consumers if left unchecked.
“We will continue to enforce strict compliance with consumer protection laws to safeguard Lagosians from unsafe and substandard products,” Solebo added.
He cautioned against prolonged exposure of plastic-bottled liquids to heat and sunlight, warning of potential chemical leaching.
“Such exposure may compromise product quality and pose health risks to consumers,” he explained.
Solebo advised residents to avoid exposing bottled drinks to sunlight and to refrain from reusing single-use plastic bottles, especially for drinking water.
He assured residents that LASCOPA would intensify enforcement to remove unsafe products from the market and uphold consumer rights.
Solebo also urged the public to report consumer rights violations promptly to enable swift intervention.
“Health is not merely the absence of illness, but complete physical, mental, and social well-being. The choices we make daily regarding what we eat, drink, and use directly impact our overall health,” he said.
