Traders Shut Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Over Takeover Plan
Traders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex on Wednesday shut down commercial activities across the market in protest against an alleged plan by government authorities to take over the management of the facility.
The sprawling trade hub, located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Lagos, is one of Nigeria’s largest commercial centres and hosts thousands of traders dealing in electronics, automobile spare parts, machinery and other consumer goods.
Eyewitnesses said the protest began early in the morning as traders locked their shops and stalls, effectively halting business activities across several sections of the complex. Usually busy market areas were largely deserted as traders gathered in groups to express their opposition to the proposed takeover.
The shutdown affected key markets within the complex, including the popular Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association market, which is widely known as one of the largest auto spare parts trading hubs in the country. Leaders of the traders said the protest was triggered by reports that the management of the complex could be transferred to state and local government authorities, a move they fear may lead to the introduction of new taxes, levies and policies that could negatively affect their businesses.
According to them, the trade fair complex is a federal government facility and any change in its administration should involve consultations with traders and other stakeholders operating within the market. Some traders also expressed concerns that a takeover could disrupt the existing structure and agreements governing market operations.
Efforts are reportedly underway by government officials and market leaders to calm tensions and engage the protesting traders in dialogue aimed at resolving the dispute and reopening the complex.
The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, established in the late 1970s, covers hundreds of hectares and serves as a major commercial hub for small and medium-scale businesses across Nigeria and West Africa. As of Wednesday afternoon, the complex remained largely shut, with negotiations continuing between traders and authorities to restore normal business activities.
