The Lagos State government has disclosed that it shut down 35 supermarkets between January and April this year for selling expired products. The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, made this revelation on Tuesday during the ongoing ministerial press briefing marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
Ambrose added that several other supermarkets were sanctioned and fined, with N175 million refunded to customers for substandard products and services. She noted that the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has been proactive in educating consumers and encouraging them to report cases of substandard goods.
Speaking on investment, Ambrose highlighted the outcomes of the Lagos Investment Roundtable, stating that several expressions of interest from local and international investors are under discussion.
“One of the major outcomes is the partnership with the Lagos State Government, through the ministry, which successfully concluded a $200 million agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports. This partnership aims to develop critical infrastructure and logistics within the Lekki corridor, boosting ICT innovation, healthcare facilities, and port development,” she said.
The commissioner also underscored efforts to strengthen ties with international institutions.
“A notable milestone was the Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), positioning Lagos as a gateway for trade and investment among 56 Commonwealth nations,” she stated. Ambrose further disclosed progress in industrial infrastructure development across the state.
“In Ikorodu, construction is progressing on a new Small-Scale Industrial Estate at Gberigbe, which will host 44 units of light manufacturing and agro-processing businesses and is set to be delivered in the third quarter of the year. Similarly, plans are underway to revamp older industrial estates in Ikeja, Ilupeju, Oshodi-Isolo, and Amuwo-Odofin,” she explained.
The commissioner also noted the rapid growth of supermarkets in the state, emphasising that Lagos continues to thrive as a hub for trade and commerce.
