Some Igbo traders at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex have protested the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in retail trading, saying the development threatens the survival of local businesses.
The protest took place on Monday at some markets within the trade fair complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Videos of the demonstration shared on X by a user, Chief Ikukuoma (@IkukuomaC), showed traders carrying placards with various inscriptions opposing the alleged retail operations of Chinese nationals in the markets.
In one of the videos, a trader said the protesters were particularly concerned about Chinese vendors selling directly to Nigerian consumers instead of limiting their activities to wholesale trading.
According to him, Chinese nationals initially came to Nigeria primarily to engage in wholesale business but had gradually expanded into retail trading.
He alleged that their access to resources and direct connections with manufacturers and suppliers in China gave them an advantage over local traders, particularly in pricing and product sourcing.
The trader said the protest was peaceful and stressed that the protesters had no intention of attacking Chinese nationals or destroying their shops, warehouses or other property.
“If any of us spoils anything here, the person will pay for it. We are not saying we are going to beat the Chinese or spoil their warehouse,” he said in Igbo.
He said the traders valued their relationship with Chinese business owners but wanted them to stay within the areas of trade they originally came to Nigeria to pursue.
“What we are saying is that the personal relationship between us and the Chinese is important to us, but they should not do our business,” he said.
The trader alleged that some Chinese businesses had built warehouses, rented shops and begun selling directly to consumers, thereby competing with local retailers.
He further alleged that some Chinese traders copied customers’ contact details from waybills and subsequently approached them directly.
“We no longer make sales. If you import goods, they slash their prices lower than our own and sell to our customers,” he said.
He questioned the sustainability of the situation for local traders, warning that continued competition could force many Nigerian-owned businesses out of the markets.
“If this continues, five years from now, your shop will be taken away from you,” he said.