MARGRET ASUQUO
As the world marks 2025 World Consumer Rights Day, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and QNET, a renowned global entity in the lifestyle and wellness direct-selling sector have reiterated their commitment to protecting consumer rights and driving sustainable development in Lagos state and the rest of Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 World Consumer Rights Day celebration organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) at Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, on Tuesday, with the theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”,
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasised the need to balance economic growth with consumer rights, stating that “by prioritising economic sustainability, we aim to create a 21st-century economy where businesses thrive while upholding the rights of consumers”.
Sanwo-Olu called on businesses to embrace ethical practices and consumers to make informed choices that support sustainability, saying, “Let us make informed choices, hold businesses accountable, and work together to build a Lagos where prosperity and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”
Sanwo-Olu stated: “We are strengthening our consumer protection frameworks, including enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance, as detailed in the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law.”
He encouraged stakeholders, including community leaders and organisations, to collaborate with the government on sustainability projects and consumer awareness campaigns.
Also speaking, QNET’s Head of Compliance, Theodocia Naana Quartey, reaffirmed the company’s maximum support for its existing and prospective customers by offering them quality and relevant products and upholding their rights.
“Last year, we were here to support the good work of LASCOPA. Today, we are here again to show our commitment to this worthy cause of consumer protection which QNET takes as a pillar of sustainability. World Consumer Rights Day is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and empower consumers. This year’s theme is particularly relevant as it points to the need for ethical business practices- Environmental Responsibility and Consumer Empowerment. This should be made available to everyone, and not for the privileged few,” she said.
Highlighting the milestones recorded by QNET over the years, Quartey said the company has put in place some initiatives to promote ethical business, including its award-winning Green Legacy program, plastic waste reduction efforts, and sustainable product innovation.
“We are commitment to transition to a sustainable future must be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind. Sustainability should be a right, accessible to everyone, not just a privilege for few. QNET believes in fostering a business environment built on integrity, transparency, and ethical consumer education,” Quartey added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening consumer rights and promoting sustainable lifestyles in line with global best practices.
Solebo emphasized the need for collective action in fostering an inclusive and fair marketplace, noting that the theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” underscored the urgency of integrating environmental responsibility into consumer habits.
“As the world grapples with environmental, economic, and social challenges, it is imperative that we, as consumers and stakeholders, actively participate in shaping a sustainable future—one that upholds fairness, accessibility, and inclusivity,” Solebo stated.
On her part, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trades, and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, emphasised the urgent need for a fair and inclusive transition to sustainable consumption.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, she said: “The past decade has seen record-high temperatures, increasing pollution, and threats to biodiversity. These environmental challenges are not just ecological concerns; they directly impact economies, businesses, and consumers.
“As we seek solutions, we must ensure that sustainable choices are not only available but also accessible and affordable to all, especially vulnerable and low-income consumers.”
The event had in industries’ stakeholders, traditional rulers and government officials in attendance. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit exhibition boots of the event’s sponsors to explore their products and services.
The World Consumer Rights Day is marked on the 15th of March every year as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs. Celebrating the day is a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers are respected and protected, and to protest against market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights.
