Lagos Cracks Down: 35 Stores Shut Over Toxic Expired Products

Lagos Cracks Down: 35 Stores Shut Over Toxic Expired Products

Lagos has sent a powerful warning to retailers endangering public health. The state government recently shut down 35 supermarkets between January and April for selling expired products—items that could cause serious harm to unsuspecting buyers.

The disclosure came from Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, during a press briefing in Ikeja. Her message was clear: businesses that put profits above people will face swift consequences.

“These supermarkets were caught stocking and selling expired goods. We had to act,” Mrs. Ambrose said. “Some were sanctioned and fined. We will continue to enforce consumer safety laws strictly.”

The crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) to protect buyers, especially families relying on local stores for daily needs. According to Ambrose, LASCOPA has intensified awareness campaigns, urging residents to inspect expiry dates before making purchases.

“If people spot expired goods, we want them to report it immediately,” she explained. “This is a shared responsibility. Consumers must stay alert while we continue to act on every valid report.”

For many Lagosians, this crackdown couldn’t have come at a better time. With prices rising, shoppers are already under pressure and can’t afford the added risk of buying unsafe products.

Mrs. Temilola Ogunyemi, a resident of Shomolu, recounted a recent scare. “I bought cereal for my daughter and later found it had expired two months ago. It was shocking,” she said. “Now I check everything twice.”

But the commissioner didn’t just speak about problems. She also shared promising developments from the Lagos Investment Roundtable, which recently attracted new business interest both locally and internationally.

The state sealed a $200 million partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports to develop key infrastructure in the Lekki corridor. The investment will improve logistics, healthcare, ICT innovation, and port operations.

“This partnership is a big win for Lagos,” Ambrose said. “It will boost our economy, create jobs, and improve services for millions of people.”

Lagos also made strategic moves to strengthen global business ties. The state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). This positions Lagos as a major gateway for trade among 56 Commonwealth nations.

“This is more than a document,” she explained. “It means more trade routes, new partners, and a stronger economic footprint for Lagos.”

In addition, construction is progressing on a new Small-Scale Industrial Estate in Gberigbe, Ikorodu. This site will host 44 units for light manufacturing and agro-processing businesses. It’s expected to open in the third quarter of the year.

Other industrial areas across the city are not being left behind. Plans are underway to revamp older estates in Ikeja, Ilupeju, Oshodi-Isolo, and Amuwo-Odofin. The goal is to modernize them and attract new businesses to previously aging zones.

“We want every part of Lagos to benefit from industrial growth,” said Ambrose. “We’re not just fixing today’s issues—we’re investing in tomorrow’s economy.”

Even with the positive strides, she reminded the public that growth must not outpace responsibility. “Supermarkets are opening everywhere,” she said. “But with that growth comes the duty to sell only safe, quality products. Anyone who violates that will face the law.”

Lagos, often seen as Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat, now faces the challenge of balancing rapid development with strong consumer protection. The recent supermarket shutdowns show the government is ready to act when businesses fail to meet safety standards.

For everyday residents, the message is clear. The government is listening, responding, and prioritizing health and safety. But staying safe also means staying informed.

As Mrs. Ogunyemi put it, “It’s not enough to trust the store. You have to trust yourself too—and check every label.”

The story of these 35 shuttered stores is not just about enforcement. It’s about reclaiming trust, protecting lives, and building a Lagos that values people just as much as profit.