Trade Fair Market Calm as Police Probe Protest Over Chinese Retail Trading

OJO, LAGOS — Normalcy has returned to the International Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, following a protest by some local traders over the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in retail trading within the market.

The Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command have assured traders, foreign investors and members of the public that the situation at the complex remains calm and under control.

The protest reportedly took place at the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPMDA) section of the Trade Fair Complex, where some traders displayed placards expressing concerns about the alleged direct sale of goods to consumers by Chinese business operators.

The protesters claimed that some foreign retailers were moving beyond established wholesale activities and selling directly to consumers. According to reports, they argued that this created difficult competition for Nigerian retailers, particularly because of differences in sourcing and pricing. These are allegations made by the protesting traders and have not been presented as established facts.

Police Assure Traders and Investors of Safety

Speaking during an assessment of the situation at the complex, the Area E Commander of the Lagos State Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Chike Oti, said peace and security had been restored.

He assured Nigerians and foreign investors that the Trade Fair Complex remained peaceful and secure, while stating that police efforts were underway to identify those involved in the demonstration.

ACP Oti described the protest as the action of a small group and said those involved had been cautioned, with arrests expected to follow.

Authorities Move to Prevent Further Tension

Meanwhile, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board has also called for dialogue and a lawful resolution of the concerns raised by traders, particularly around fair competition, market access and regulatory compliance.

Trade Activities Continue

The authorities have reiterated that the Trade Fair Complex remains open and secure for legitimate business activities. The police also warned against violent disruptions and unauthorised shutdowns of market operations, while maintaining a security presence to protect lives, property and commercial activities.

The development has brought renewed attention to the concerns of Nigerian traders regarding competition in the retail sector, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining a peaceful and lawful business environment for both local and foreign operators.

For now, authorities and market leaders say the situation at the Trade Fair Complex is calm, with efforts continuing to address the issues raised by traders through engagement and appropriate regulatory channels.