Stakeholders in Nigeria’s consumer market have warned of rising risks from counterfeit and substandard products, calling for stronger consumer education and enforcement to protect buyers.
The concerns were raised during a World Consumer Rights Day event organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in Lagos, where industry players, regulators and advocacy groups gathered to discuss growing threats in the marketplace.
Participants said the expansion of digital and cross-border trade has made it easier for fake and low-quality products to circulate, increasing risks for consumers and weakening trust in the economy.
They stressed that consumer confidence remains critical to market growth, warning that failure to address counterfeit goods and misleading business practices could undermine economic stability.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos state, said millions of injuries are recorded globally each year due to defective goods, unsafe appliances, counterfeit medicines and misleading marketing practices, adding that such activities also lead to billions of naira in losses annually.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Lawal Pedro, the attorney general and commissioner for Justice, Lagos state, expressed concern over the growing complexity of cross-border digital commerce, where banned or substandard products in one country can still reach consumers in another through online platforms.
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He said consumer protection has moved beyond a peripheral issue to one of public safety, economic stability and social justice, especially in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s largest consumer markets.
According to him, the state government, through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, has continued to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to protect residents. He said the agency plays a central role in investigating complaints, resolving disputes, promoting fair trade practices and educating consumers on their rights.
Sanwo-Olu added that effective consumer protection requires collective responsibility, urging businesses to prioritise safety, transparency and quality to drive sustainable growth and customer trust.
He also called on consumers to be more aware of their rights, including the rights to safety, information, choice and to be heard, describing awareness as key to maintaining market integrity.
At the event, QNET Nigeria said it is strengthening efforts to educate consumers as part of a broader push to tackle misinformation and reduce exposure to fake products.
Speaking on the sidelines, Ayokunmi Solesi, QNET Nigeria general manager said misinformation about business models and product channels often leaves consumers vulnerable.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is misinformation. It creates confusion and makes it easier for consumers to fall victim to the wrong channels,” he said.
Solesi said the company’s collaboration with LASCOPA is focused on improving public understanding of its operations and promoting responsible direct selling practices.
He added that QNET products are certified by regulators including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, noting that the company maintains international standards across its markets.
To reduce the risk of counterfeit products, he advised consumers to purchase only through the company’s official platform, warning against dealing with middlemen.
“Buying directly helps eliminate the risks associated with unofficial channels, where substandard products are more likely to appear,” he said.
During a panel session on regulatory compliance and product safety, stakeholders called for stronger coordination between government agencies, private companies and civil society groups to improve enforcement and standardisation.
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They also urged consumers to take a more active role by verifying product sources, seeking accurate information and reporting suspicious or defective products.
The discussions highlighted the growing urgency of consumer protection in Nigeria, as authorities and businesses seek to balance rapid market expansion with safeguards against counterfeit goods and deceptive practices.
