By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has commenced discussions with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on strengthening inter-agency collaboration to combat drug abuse and the emerging practice of infusing illicit and controlled substances into food products across the state.
The development was disclosed on Saturday, 12 September 2026, via the official Twitter handle of the Lagos State Government, @followlasg, following a strategic visit by a LASCOPA delegation to the Lagos State Command of the NDLEA.
During the visit, the team held discussions with the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Commander Abubakar Liman Wali.
The engagement gave both agencies the opportunity to deliberate on areas of mutual interest and explore joint strategies aimed at safeguarding the health, safety and general well-being of consumers in Lagos State.
Speaking at the meeting, the General Manager/CEO of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, stressed the need for closer cooperation among regulatory and enforcement agencies in addressing practices that expose consumers to harmful substances without their knowledge or consent.
He explained that although LASCOPA’s core mandate centres on consumer protection and ensuring that goods and services in the marketplace meet acceptable standards, the agency had grown increasingly concerned about reports of food products being laced with cannabis and other controlled substances.
According to him, the issue extends beyond drug control, as the deliberate introduction of undisclosed substances into food products directly affects consumer safety, informed choice, public health and the fundamental right of consumers to know what they are purchasing and consuming.
Solebo noted that collaboration with the NDLEA would enable both agencies to leverage their respective expertise, strengthen information sharing, facilitate effective case referrals and intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse and the risks associated with consuming food products containing undisclosed substances.
Responding, Commander Wali, who had earlier received the LASCOPA delegation warmly, expressed the NDLEA’s readiness to explore areas of collaboration that would further protect the public.
