By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised concerns over the alleged manipulation of production and expiry dates on expired and near-expired products being sold in markets and retail outlets across the state.
The General Manager/CEO, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., disclosed this on Tuesday, 19 August, 2026, explaining that devices and chemicals used to erase and reprint product dates are reportedly being circulated online, warning that their misuse could enable the distribution of unsafe products to unsuspecting consumers.
He said, “Consumer safety is non-negotiable. Expired products are being reintroduced into the market with falsified dates, in violation of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025 (as amended), and this poses significant public health risks.”
According to him, LASCOPA enforcement teams have conducted inspections across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), during which cases of suspicious date coding, damaged packaging and questionable products were identified.
He further warned that offenders would face appropriate sanctions, including product seizure, closure of business premises and prosecution in accordance with the law.
Solebo advised consumers to carefully inspect product labels for smudged or altered dates, compromised packaging and other inconsistencies, urging them to patronise only trusted vendors while retaining purchase receipts.
He also urged manufacturers to adopt clear and standardised labelling practices for batch numbers and expiry information.
The General Manager/CEO stated that the agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement activities, and encouraged residents to report suspicious products via 081 2499 3895, 091 5389 4878, email lasgcopa@gmail.com, official social media platforms, or its office in Ikeja.
Solebo further urged residents of Lagos State to remain vigilant, verify products before purchase and promptly report any suspected violations, stating, “Consumer safety remains a shared responsibility.”
