The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), recognizing that many consumer grievances are best resolved at the state level.
At the Abuja signing ceremony, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello highlighted the need to decentralize consumer protection to make it more accessible. He noted that local issues—like those in housing, transportation, food safety, healthcare, e-commerce, and financial services—demand swift, state-level action, because centralized handling from Abuja is becoming increasingly impractical amid rising complaint volumes and market complexity.
Drawing from his past role as Lagos commissioner, Bello cited a 2003 Supreme Court ruling affirming states’ control over urban planning, arguing that grassroots disputes (e.g., undelivered properties or tenancy issues) overwhelm federal resources. He further praised Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub, with the FCCPC’s South-West Zonal Office there enabling seamless collaboration on complaints, intelligence sharing, education, and enforcement.
LASCOPA General Manager Afolabi Solebo went on to hail the MoU and said it is long overdue, highlighting recoveries exceeding N40 million and $10,000 from airlines, and welcoming FCCPC backing amid jurisdictional challenges. Bello urged other states to build similar frameworks, positioning the partnership as a blueprint for nationwide coordination to foster fair markets and consumer trust.
