The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned residents about the alleged alteration of production and expiry dates on expired and near-expired goods being sold in markets and retail outlets across the state.
The agency said the practice could expose consumers to serious health risks by allowing products that should have been removed from circulation to return to the shelves with falsified information.
Devices used to change product dates reportedly circulating
LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Afolabi Solebo said devices and chemicals reportedly used to erase and reprint dates on products were being circulated online.
According to the agency, the availability of such tools could make it easier for dishonest traders to manipulate product information and pass expired goods off as safe for consumption.
Solebo described consumer protection as a priority and warned that anyone involved in falsifying product dates would be dealt with under the law.
Inspections uncover suspicious products
LASCOPA enforcement teams have carried out inspections across the state’s local government areas and local council development areas as part of efforts to identify potentially unsafe products.
During the inspections, officials reportedly found cases involving questionable date coding, damaged packaging and products whose authenticity or condition raised concerns.
The agency said the findings demonstrated the need for continued monitoring of markets and retail outlets.
Businesses could face serious penalties
Solebo warned traders and businesses involved in the alleged practice that enforcement action could include the seizure of products, closure of premises and prosecution.
The measures are being pursued under the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025, as amended.
The agency said the penalties were intended to deter businesses from putting consumers at risk and to prevent expired products from being deliberately returned to the market.
Consumers urged to inspect products carefully
LASCOPA has also urged Lagos residents to take greater care when purchasing packaged goods.
Consumers have been advised to check production and expiry dates closely and look out for signs that information on labels may have been altered.
Smudged or suspicious dates, damaged packaging and inconsistencies in product information should be treated as warning signs, according to the agency.
Keep receipts and buy from trusted sellers
Solebo advised residents to purchase products from reputable and trusted vendors whenever possible.
He also encouraged consumers to keep their receipts after making purchases, saying they could provide useful evidence if a product is later found to be defective, expired or otherwise unsafe.
The advice forms part of a broader effort to make consumers more proactive in protecting themselves from potentially harmful goods.
Manufacturers urged to improve labelling
LASCOPA has called on manufacturers to strengthen their product-labelling systems, particularly by ensuring that batch numbers, production dates and expiry information are clearly displayed and difficult to manipulate.
The agency said clearer and more standardised labelling could make it easier for consumers and enforcement officers to identify suspicious products.
Manufacturers also have an important role to play in ensuring that legitimate products can be traced throughout the supply chain.
LASCOPA promises continued enforcement
Solebo reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained inspections and enforcement operations across Lagos.
He said protecting consumer rights and public health would remain a priority, particularly as authorities continue to monitor the distribution and sale of potentially unsafe products.
The agency is also encouraging residents to play an active role by reporting suspicious goods rather than ignoring possible violations.
How Lagos residents can report suspicious products
Residents who encounter products they believe may have altered dates, damaged packaging or other irregularities can contact LASCOPA through its reporting channels.
The agency can be reached on 081 2499 3895 or 091 5389 4878, while complaints can also be sent by email to lasgcopa@gmail.com.
Consumers can additionally use LASCOPA’s official social media platforms or visit its office in Ikeja to report suspected violations.
What’s next?
LASCOPA is expected to continue its inspections across markets and retail outlets in Lagos while investigating businesses suspected of manipulating product information.
The agency’s warning also places greater responsibility on traders, manufacturers and consumers to ensure that expired or compromised products do not make their way back onto the market.
Summary
LASCOPA has raised concerns over alleged manipulation of production and expiry dates on expired and near-expired products being sold across Lagos.
The agency says devices and chemicals reportedly used to alter product dates are circulating online, potentially allowing unsafe goods to be reintroduced into the market.
Officials have identified suspicious date coding, damaged packaging and questionable products during inspections and warned that offenders could face seizures, business closures and prosecution.
Consumers have been urged to examine labels carefully, shop with trusted vendors, keep receipts and report suspicious products to the agency.
