The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has advised parents and guardians to know and exercise their consumer rights as schools prepare to reopen on September 14, particularly when purchasing approved books, stationery and uniforms.
LASCOPA gave the advice in a consumer-rights advisory ahead of school resumption in the state, urging parents to speak up whenever they encounter practices that unnecessarily restrict their choices.
The agency, in the message shared by the Lagos State Government on its official social media handle on Sunday, said that where equivalent approved products are reasonably available from other suppliers, parents and guardians should generally be free to decide where to purchase them.
“Where equivalent approved products are reasonably available elsewhere, parents and guardians should generally be free to choose where to purchase them,” LASCOPA stated.
The agency cautioned schools against unnecessarily restricting parents from purchasing equivalent approved books, uniforms or stationery from other suppliers.
“A school should not unnecessarily restrict parents from buying equivalent approved books, uniforms or stationery from other suppliers,” it added.
LASCOPA explained that parents and guardians are often given lists of books, stationery and uniforms to purchase after completing the admission process for their children.
It noted that a consumer protection concern could arise where a parent finds the same approved and equivalent items at another shop, possibly at a lower price, but is told by the school that the items must be purchased directly from the school or a designated supplier.
The agency stressed that parents and guardians have a choice where equivalent approved products are reasonably available elsewhere.
“You have a choice. Know your rights. Speak up,” LASCOPA stated.
The agency urged parents and guardians who encounter consumer protection concerns to report their grievances for appropriate action.
It provided its contact channels as lasgcopa@gmail.com, the toll-free line 080 00052726, available on weekdays, and telephone numbers 08124993895 and 09153894878.
The agency’s intervention is part of its consumer-education mandate, which includes educating the public on consumer rights and responsibilities.
As schools prepare to reopen, LASCOPA urged parents and guardians to remain aware of their rights and speak up when they encounter practices they consider unfair or unnecessarily restrictive.
“In Lagos State, consumers are kings,” the state government said.
