The Lagos State Government has shut down 35 supermarkets between January and April 2025 for selling expired products, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, revealed on Tuesday.

She made this disclosure during a ministerial press briefing marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to Ambrose, the state government has also sanctioned and fined several other supermarkets for similar offenses. She emphasized the continued efforts of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in educating residents and encouraging them to report cases of unsafe or expired goods.

“We are committed to protecting consumers and ensuring Lagosians are not exposed to health risks from expired products,” Ambrose said.

Beyond consumer protection, Ambrose highlighted key achievements of the ministry in promoting investment and industrial development across the state. One of the most significant milestones, she noted, is a recently concluded $200 million partnership between the Lagos State Government and Abu Dhabi Ports. The deal, secured through the Lagos Investment Roundtable, is aimed at boosting infrastructure and logistics development along the Lekki corridor, while also enhancing ICT innovation, healthcare, and port operations.

The Commissioner also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). This agreement, she said, positions Lagos as a major trade and investment gateway among the 56 Commonwealth nations.

As part of its industrial development agenda, Lagos is making strides in both new and existing infrastructure. Construction is ongoing on a new Small-Scale Industrial Estate in Gberigbe, Ikorodu, designed to accommodate 44 units for light manufacturing and agro-processing businesses. The estate is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2025.

In addition, the state government has begun revamping older industrial estates in Ikeja, Ilupeju, Oshodi-Isolo, and Amuwo-Odofin, in a bid to modernize them and attract more businesses.

“Lagos is a thriving state,” Ambrose remarked. “Supermarkets are springing up rapidly, but we must ensure they operate within the bounds of the law and uphold the highest standards of consumer safety.”