The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, assured that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment that promotes fair competition, protects consumer rights and supports the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
He said his administration will continue to protect consumers through the right policies and ensure a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The Governor also called on manufacturers to have a conducive working relationship with consumers and join hands with the government in protecting the rights of consumers to create an economy that works for all.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke at a one-day conference and exhibition to commemorate this year’s World Consumer Rights Day with the Theme: “Fair And Responsible AI for Consumers.” The event held at Eko Hotels in Victoria Island on Friday, was organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, (LASCOPA) to ensure a robust regulatory framework that protects consumers.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos residents that he would continue to bridge the gap between producers and consumers to foster good relationships, noting that the mutual understanding between both consumers and producers underscored the symbiotic and interdependent relationship that exists between the two entities within any economy.
The Governor, therefore, urged consumers and producers to promote an enduring partnership and collaboration rather than relationships that could impede sustainable growth and development in the economic value chain.
He said: “Consumers and producers are not adversaries but rather partners in a complex economic ecosystem.
“While consumers rely on producers to supply goods and services, producers in turn, depend on consumer demand to drive their businesses forward,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also advocated for a more harmonious and inclusive approach to economic development that benefits all stakeholders.
Lagos State Government during the conference also advocated fairness, responsibility and ethical usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology irrespective of status to protect the consumers’ rights.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s dedication to consumer rights and the responsible use of AI.
She said the administration will continue to work tirelessly to create an environment where technology thrives, but not at the expense of the citizens’ rights and well-being.
She said: “Our Governor has been at the vanguard of innovation and advocating consumer rights, ensuring that the advancements in artificial intelligence and technology at large serve to enhance the lives of our citizens, not complicate them. The administration’s dedication to integrating technology into our economy is matched only by its commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of every consumer.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investments, Hon. Abiodun Tobun commended the role of LASCOPA in ensuring that the rights of consumers in the state are protected.
He urged members of the public not to conceal information, but to speak out when their rights are trampled upon.
The General Manager of Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, noted that AI involves transparency and accountability and consumers deserve to know how their data is being used as well as understand the decisions made by AI systems, hence developers and companies must prioritise ethical considerations, ensuring that AI benefits the society as a whole.
The World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15.
The annual event is used to draw attention to the plight of consumers the world over to ensure that the rights of consumers are not only protected but also promoted.
The event was attended by major stakeholders which included Consumer Advocate groups, Manufacturers in the food and beverage sector, Information Technology experts and students, among others.