Lagos Tasks Manufacturers on Production of Consumables

By Dipo Olowookere

The need for manufacturers of consumable products to follow standard procedures in the production process and final packaging of products has been emphasised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).

General Manager of the agency, Mrs Kemi Olugbode, gave the charge during a courtesy visit to office of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) at Ogba, Lagos.

She urged MAN to monitor the activities of its members particularly those involved in the production of consumable products to ensure that they follow the required standard procedure, stressing that adherent to same is vital to effective consumer protection.

Mrs Olugbode emphasised that LASCOPA was created to ensure that consumers get satisfaction from goods purchased or services rendered as well as to protect consumers from all forms of hazardous products and to help them seek redress in a court of law when there is an infringement on their rights.

The General Manager disclosed that the agency was planning to have a parley with manufacturers of consumable products within the Ikeja Local Government Area, as part of efforts geared towards ensuring the safety of consumers.

According to her, the meeting is necessary to introduce LASCOPA and what it stands for to the manufacturers and draw their attention to some consumer issues observed during product monitoring and mediation sessions.

She said that the Agency also intends to get feedback and use the parley to create an avenue to foster a cordial relationship with producers of consumable products as means of ensuring consumer protection from hazardous products

Responding, the Executive Secretary, MAN Ikeja Branch, Mrs Oluchi Odimuko said that the Association is very certain about the quality of products of its members because they adhere to standards.

She said that MAN collaborates with relevant Ministries and Agencies to constantly monitor the activities of producers and ensure that internationally acceptable standards are followed in the production process.

Mrs Odimuko, however, noted that the challenge faced by the Association is with products imported or smuggled into the country and urged the management of LASCOPA to get in touch with the Customs Services of Nigeria to address such issues.