The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a fresh warning to businesses across Lagos State, directing them to stop deceiving customers with fake prices and misleading advertisements.
The agency raised concerns over the increasing trend where businesses promote goods and services at attractive prices, only for consumers to encounter hidden charges, inflated costs, or conflicting terms at the point of purchase.
In a statement released on Monday, the General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, described the practice as deceptive and harmful to consumer trust, stressing that it violates existing consumer protection laws.
He stated that all advertised prices must be clear, accurate, and fully inclusive, warning businesses against the use of ambiguous pricing, false discounts, or bait-and-switch tactics designed to lure unsuspecting customers.
“Businesses must ensure that consumers are not misled by ambiguous pricing or hidden charges. What is advertised must reflect the actual price payable,” Solebo said.
LASCOPA also cautioned businesses running promotions, discounts, or raffle-based offers to avoid vague terms such as “while stock lasts,” noting that such expressions can mislead consumers if not properly defined. The agency advised that all offers must clearly state their duration, including start and end dates, as well as applicable conditions.
Solebo further emphasised that failure to comply with fair pricing and advertising standards constitutes an offence under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law, particularly under the provision of “the right to be informed.”
According to him, violators risk enforcement actions, including penalties, sanctions, and possible prosecution.
The agency urged supermarkets, online vendors, automobile dealers, electronics retailers, service providers, and other businesses to review their pricing and advertising practices to ensure full compliance.
Consumers were also encouraged to report cases of deceptive pricing and misleading adverts through LASCOPA’s official complaint channels.
LASCOPA maintained that it remains committed to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair and transparent marketplace across Lagos State.
