Sanwo-Olu Swears-In Market Advisory Council, Consumer Protection Board

• Sanwo-Olu also swore in an 11-member Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) Board, to protect the rights of consumers against unfair practices.

Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, inaugurated the 21-member Lagos State Market Advisory Council on Tuesday in order to improve the state’s economy.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Sanwo-Olu said that the market advisory council and the LASCOPA Board were necessary as Lagos State was fast becoming the business hub of Africa.

According to him, the inauguration comes at an auspicious time when all hands must be on deck to maximize the gains of a rapidly growing economy like Lagos State.

”As a progressive government, that is conscious of the huge responsibility that comes with building a megacity, you have all been carefully appointed because you have the wherewithal to protect the rights of our consumers and manage the flourishing markets across our state.

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”Our markets remain a key driver for economic growth in Lagos State and it is our duty to ensure that we institute a template that is flexible and profitable enough for the economic growth that Lagos will witness in the years ahead.

”As I inaugurate the Lagos State Market Advisory Council, I urge you to do all that is required within the ambit of the law to effectively manage and control our markets in line with international best practices.

”In carrying out your duties, you must consult widely in order to harmonize the interests of all stakeholders,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged them to use their new office to seamlessly engage traders, market men and women, and all relevant stakeholders, in order to acquaint them with the policies of the present administration.

He said that it was the duty of the newly constituted LASCOPA board to protect the rights of citizens against unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent business practices.

Sanwo-Olu said that such practices might result in exploitation, injury, and even loss of lives of consumers.

”Our consumers are counting on you to protect their rights and interests. Today, the majority of our citizens are not aware of their rights as consumers and do not even know where or how to seek redress whenever their rights are violated.

”One of your major responsibilities is to urgently educate Lagosians on their rights as consumers, what constitutes a violation of those rights and the steps they need for the board to seek redress on their behalf.

”The effective discharge of your lawful responsibilities will ensure that our people receive fair value for their hard-earned money when they purchase goods or services,” the governor said.

The Chairman of the Market Advisory Council is Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, while the LASCOPA Board is chaired by Mrs Funmilola Falana.

The chairmen of the two boards thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and promised to deliver on their mandate without fear or favour. (