Lagos Traders Protest Against Chinese Retail Practices

Traders at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex protested against some Chinese nationals they claim are involved in retail trading. They say this is hurting their businesses.

On Monday, the traders gathered at the complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. They held placards with messages like, "Chinese must go" and "They should go far from our market environment and not be taking our customers."

Videos shared on X by Chief Ikukuoma (@IkukuomaC) showed the traders chanting and holding their signs.

In one video, a trader speaking in Igbo said they were protesting against Chinese nationals. He explained that these foreigners came to Nigeria to operate as wholesalers but were now selling directly to customers.

He said this makes it hard for Nigerian traders to compete. The Chinese traders can buy directly from manufacturers and suppliers in China.

“We no longer make sales. If you import goods, they slash their prices lower than our own and sell to our customers,” he said.

The trader accused some Chinese businesses of renting shops and building warehouses in the complex. He claimed they sell goods directly to consumers from there.

He also alleged that some Chinese businesses get customers' phone numbers from waybills and contact them to sell their products.

The protesters made it clear they do not want to harm Chinese nationals or destroy their businesses.

“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,” the trader said.

He emphasized that Nigerian traders have good relationships with Chinese business owners but object to their direct involvement in retail.

“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 warned that if this situation continues, Nigerian retailers could lose their shops.

“If this continues, five years from now, your shop will be taken away from you,” he stated.

The protest has sparked different opinions on social media.

Olugbenga Michael posted on Facebook, urging the Lagos State Government to step in. He said Chinese traders should not be allowed to do things that could hurt Nigerian businesses.

He also warned that Nigeria should not seem hostile to foreigners.

On the other hand, a Facebook page called Somolutogether criticized the protesters. They argued that consumers benefit from lower prices offered by Chinese traders.

The page questioned why the traders opposed Chinese retailers, saying consumers have the right to buy from businesses with cheaper goods.

The claims made by the protesters could not be independently verified.

At the time of this report, Chinese traders or their representatives had not responded to the allegations.